The Battle of Westport: Missouri's Great Confederate Raid (Civil War Series)

**The story of the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi, in what would one day become Kansas City, and the role it played in American history.** The Battle of Westport, Missouri—today part of Kansas City—was fought by troops from as far away as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as Texas, Arkansas, Colorado and Iowa. It was the climax of a desperate Confederate raid led by General Sterling Price proceeding from Arkansas across the State of Missouri to the Kansas border. The Union victory at Westport marked the end of major military operations in Missouri and secured Kansas and the trails, rails, and communication lines to the western states. Participants included future governors of both Kansas and Missouri, notorious postwar outlaws, and many notable characters who would shape the growth and image of the western states. This book tells the story of the place, the engagement, the people, and the importance of the Missouri/Kansas border war's greatest battle. In addition, the aftermath and legacy of the Battle of Westport is presented in the broader context of westward expansion, giving readers a greater appreciation of how far-reaching the effects were of those few days in October, 1864. The Battle of Westport, Missouri (today, part of Kansas City) was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. Troops from as far away as New Jersey and Pennsylvania (as well as Texas, Arkansas, Colorado and Iowa) took part in the hostilities. The battle was the climax of a desperate Confederate raid led by General Sterling Price proceeding from Arkansas across the State of Missouri to the Kansas border. The Union victory at Westport marked the end of major military operations in Missouri and secured Kansas and the trails, rails, and communication lines to the western states. Participants included future governors of both Kansas and Missouri, notorious post-war outlaws and many notable characters that would shape the growth and image of the western states. This project will tell the story of the place, the engagement, the people, and the importance of the Missouri/Kansas border war's greatest battle. The aftermath and legacy of the Battle of Westport will be presented in the broader context of westward expansion and give the reader a greater appreciation of how far-reaching the effects were of those few days in October, 1864. The Battle of Westport traces the history of the area around Kansas City up to the 1864 Civil War battle that took place there and the aftermath of the battle. The invasion of Missouri by confederate troops under Missouri's former governor Sterling Price was part of an effort to disrupt the presidential election, draw federal troops west of the Mississippi, and procure supplies and men for the south. Federal troops caught up with Price just south of Kansas City and with the help of Kansas volunteers defeated Price in the largest battle of the war west of the Mississippi. The road to Westport The edge of the world A family fight Courage alone Lost opportunities : battle of the Little Blue Crossing the Blue The great battle The morning after The long retreat The aftermath Appendix.