Battle of Westport Poster

The Battle of Westport, also known as the "Gettysburg of the West," was a pivotal engagement that took place during the American Civil War on October 21-23, 1864, near present-day Kansas City, Missouri. This battle marked a significant turning point in the conflict in the Western Theatre and had a profound impact on the outcome of the war. The battle unfolded in the context of General Sterling Price's invasion of Missouri. Price, leading a force of around 12,000 Southern troops, sought to capture St. Louis and divert Union forces away from other critical theatres of the war. However, Union forces, under the command of Major General Samuel R. Curtis, and later Major General Alfred Pleasonton, were determined to halt Price's advance. The Battle of Westport began on October 21st, as Union forces engaged Price's men at the Big Blue River. Over the course of the next few days, intense fighting occurred at various locations around Westport. The Union forces, which included both infantry and cavalry, successfully repelled Price's attacks, and their superior numbers and resources began to take their toll on the Southern army.