Second Battle of Independence 1857- Complete Details
Second Battle of Independence (1862): Complete Details
You wrote 1857, but the Second Battle of Independence happened in August 1862. This was a significant Confederate raid into Missouri during the Civil War. Let me give you the actual details.
What Was the Second Battle of Independence?
The Second Battle of Independence was a Civil War engagement that took place near Independence, Missouri. Confederate forces under General Sterling Price attempted to reclaim the town from Union control during his infamous Missouri Raid of 1862.
This wasn't some minor skirmish. Price brought roughly 12,000 troops into Missouri, and the fighting around Independence was one of the bloodiest moments of that campaign.
Background: Why Did This Battle Happen?
Missouri was a border state with divided loyalties. By 1862, Union forces controlled most major towns, including Kansas City and Independence. Confederates saw Missouri as a way to stretch Union resources and rally pro-Southern sympathizers.
Sterling Price, a former Missouri governor and Confederate general, organized the raid specifically to:
- Recruit soldiers from Missouri
- Capture supplies and weapons
- Threaten Union control in the western theater
- Create chaos behind Union lines
The Battle Unfolds
August 15, 1862: The Fighting Begins
Confederate forces approached Independence from the west. Union troops under Colonel Thomas Ewing Jr. held defensive positions. The Confederates attacked with cavalry and infantry, pushing hard to take the town.
Ewing's men fought from behind barricades but were outnumbered. The Confederates pressed forward, using their superior numbers to slowly push the Union forces back.
The St. Mary's Church Fight
A key moment happened near St. Mary's Church. Union cavalry tried to hold a position but was overwhelmed. Confederate forces swept through, capturing equipment and scattering Union riders.
This wasn't a clean victory. The Confederates took casualties, and the Union forces retreated in disorder but managed to escape destruction.
Union Retreat
By nightfall on August 15, Union forces had withdrawn from Independence. The Confederates held the town briefly. Price used this as a propaganda win, claiming success and gathering some recruits.
The Results: Who Won?
The Confederates technically won. They captured Independence and forced Union troops to retreat. But military victories mean nothing without strategic gains.
Price's raid continued toward Lexington, where another battle followed. The Confederates eventually retreated south without achieving their real goals—permanently reclaiming Missouri for the Confederacy.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Date | August 15-16, 1862 |
|---|---|
| Location | Independence, Missouri |
| Confederate Commander | General Sterling Price |
| Union Commander | Colonel Thomas Ewing Jr. |
| Confederate Forces | Approximately 12,000 |
| Union Forces | Approximately 3,000 |
| Outcome | Confederate tactical victory |
Why the Date Mix-Up?
You're not alone in the confusion. The Battle of Independence (1862) is often confused with other dates because:
- 1857 was the year of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry
- The first Battle of Independence didn't exist—this was the main engagement
- Missouri had constant guerrilla warfare from 1861-1865, making dates blur together
The correct date is August 1862. If you're researching 1857 specifically, you're looking at a different period entirely—Bleeding Kansas or pre-war tensions.
Getting Started: How to Research This Battle Further
If you want to dig deeper into the Second Battle of Independence, here's what to do:
- Check National Park Service records — They have detailed battle summaries and troop movements
- Visit local Missouri historical societies — Independence has preserved sites related to the battle
- Read primary sources — Soldiers' letters and diaries from Price's raid are available online
- Study the broader Price Raid — This battle was just one part of a month-long campaign
The Bitter Truth
The Second Battle of Independence accomplished nothing long-term. Price captured the town, got some recruits, but Union forces reoccupied it within days. The Confederacy never came close to reclaiming Missouri.
Missouri stayed in Union hands for the rest of the war. Thousands died on both sides for territory that changed hands repeatedly. If you're studying this battle, don't isolate it—understand it as part of a failed campaign that cost thousands of lives for minimal strategic gain.
That's the reality of 1862 Missouri. The dates, the casualties, the campaigns—they all blur together because nothing decisive happened. Price raided, retreated, and the war continued.