The State of Missouri was a border state in the American Civil War seeing the third largest number of battles and skirmishes of the entire conflict. It was therefore appropriate that we explore some of these and nearby actions in our February Special Event at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum.
Top of our game presentations was the Battle of Lucas Bend on the Mississippi River presented by Dave Schaffner.
An early war river gunboat clash between Union and Rebel forces as the both sought control of the Mississippi River.
The Union not only had to deal with the Rebel riverine forces but shore batteries that kept up a steady fire.
Of the two games played it seemed to be an even split in results with both sides taking one of the victories.
Some fine maneuvering in game one lead to a complete domination of the battle by the Union.
The event drew interest from museum visitors as they stopped by to check out all the activity on the tables.
The Battle of Newton Station was offered by Steve Lowry using Fistful of Lead Bigger Battles rules to present a game based upon the Grierson’s Raid in April of 1863.
Steve’s 54mm games are always popular and this was no exception.
The battle was a hard fought one with both sides inflicting a heavy toll on their opponents.
We were happy to enjoy a visitor turn participant in what turned out to be a Rebel victory.
A trip to the Tennessee River was on the itinerary for the day as a Union Flotilla moved upon the Confederates at Fort Donelson. Greg Dieckhaus was Game Master for this naval action.
The more heavily armored Union Ironclads engaged the fort with hopes to reduce it and silence the outlying water battery.
The day went to the Union as they inflicted blow after blow with almost uncanny accuracy upon the Rebels first taking out the water battery and then silencing the fort. In this case it would have been just a walk in the park for General Grant to occupy the position.
Rounding out our day’s offerings was The Battle of Wilson’s Creek. August of 1862 saw an outnumbered Union Army strike at their Rebel foes in the first major battle of the Trans-Mississippi.
Burt Campbell and Bob Alsop teamed up to present this interesting battle using Valour & Fortitude rules which are available online as a free download.
As was historically accurate both side made efforts to use detached units to out flank the other, making for some interesting surprises for the players.
Rebel units engage a Yankee Brigade that arrived in their rear.
Of the two games played it was an even split with the Union winning game one and the Southern forces taking game two.
A great day of historical gaming was had at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum. We would like to thank all of our players, visitors and onlookers.
A Special Thank You to our GameMasters and the gracious staff headed by Kristine Madras, Curator of the Museum who worked with us to create a superb event.
