Other Names: None
Location: Howard County
Campaign: Price’s Missouri Expedition (1864)
Date(s): October 15, 1864
Principal Commanders: Col. Chester Harding [US]; Brig. Gen. John B.
Clark and Brig. Gen. Joe Shelby [CS]
Forces Engaged: Garrison (800) [US]; unknown [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 450 total (US 400; CS 50)
Description: While Maj. Gen. Sterling Price led his men westward across
Missouri, he decided to send a detachment to Glasgow to
liberate weapons and supplies in an arms storehouse, purported to be
there. This combined mounted infantry, cavalry, and artillery force laid
siege to the town and the fortifications on Hereford Hill. Before dawn
on October 15, Confederate artillery opened on the town and Rebels advanced
on Glasgow by various routes, forcing the Yankees to fall back. The Union
forces retreated out of town and up the hill toward the fortifications
on Hereford Hill. There they formed a defensive line in this area, but
the Confederates continued to advance. Convinced that he could not defend
against another Confederate attack, Col. Chester Harding surrendered around
1:30 pm. Although Harding destroyed some Federal stores, Price’s men found
rifle-muskets, overcoats, and horses. The Confederates remained in town
for three days before rejoining the main column with new supplies and weapons
and marching on towards Kansas City. The victory and capture of supplies
and weapons were a boost to Price’s army's morale.
Result(s): Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #: MO022
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class C)