The Battle of Pea Ridge at the Missouri-Arkansas border decimated the power of Confederate forces in Missouri. “Wild” Bill Hickok was on hand for the battle, fighting as a Union sharpshooter.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.