Civil War in the Ozarks

Book excerpt: A history of the bitter battles and skirmishes in the Ozark Region, including photos: “It’s great to see a revised edition of this Civil War classic.” —Ozarks Mountaineer In this revised edition of Civil War in the Ozarks, Phillip W. Steele and Steve Cottrell provide new insight into the clashes that occurred in the Ozarks and additional commentary from experts. Explanations of the political and cultural conditions there at the time create a backdrop for the drama that unfolded as a result. An updated map is also included. In writing the original version, the authors extensively researched the battles taking place between 1861 and 1865. With meticulous detail, they chronicle the heroes, outlaws, and peacemakers who were at the center of this hot-blooded battleground. Skirmishes between the abolitionist Kansas Jayhawkers and slaveholders in Arkansas and Missouri began years before the firing upon Fort Sumter, making the Ozarks a volatile and dangerous region during the Civil War. Although many citizens of Missouri wished to remain neutral, they reluctantly found themselves caught in the crossfire of raids between the two groups. Relocated Indian tribes of present-day Oklahoma also fell prey to the vicious fighting. As the war crept westward, more groups were drawn into the conflict—making the Ozarks one of the bloodiest regions in the battle between the Blue and Gray. Includes photos and illustrations “Highly recommended.” —Curled Up with a Good Book