🌤 Weather at Fort Davidson State Historic Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–74 °F | 63–86 °F | 35–78 °F | 21–45 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Potosi 4 SW, 20 mi away, elevation 1,105 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Missouri History — Site of the Battle of Pilot Knob (September 27, 1864) — 1,500 Union soldiers held off 12,000 Confederates under Sterling Price, then escaped under cover of darkness after a massive explosion!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Fort Davidson
Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Iron County preserves the site of the 1864 Battle of Pilot Knob — where 1,450 Union soldiers held an earthen fort against 12,000 Confederates under General Sterling Price. Despite being outnumbered 8-to-1, the Union garrison inflicted over 1,000 casualties before evacuating under cover of darkness after blowing up the fort’s powder magazine. Price’s delay at Pilot Knob allowed St. Louis to reinforce — saving the city.
Things to Do
Walking the preserved earthen fort (visible earthworks remain), touring the museum with battle artifacts, climbing Shepherd Mountain for views of the battlefield, and studying one of the most lopsided defensive victories of the Civil War.
Visiting Today
The preserved earthen fort remains clearly visible — one of the best-preserved Civil War earthworks in the Trans-Mississippi theater. Shepherd Mountain, 1,100 feet high, looms over the battlefield. The museum contains artifacts including cannonballs and personal effects recovered from the site. Located near Elephant Rocks State Park for a geology-and-history combination trip.
Getting There
Located on Highway 21 in Pilot Knob, Iron County — 90 minutes south of St. Louis. Combine with Elephant Rocks State Park (10 miles) and Johnson’s Shut-Ins for a geology-and-history day trip. The Iron Mountain Railroad, a Confederate supply target, passed through here.
Insider Tips
Pilot Knob battle: The Battle of Pilot Knob (September 1864) saw 1,500 Union soldiers defend a small earthen fort against 12,000 Confederates — and escape during the night after inflicting heavy casualties. Pro tip: The Union defenders blew up the fort’s magazine as they retreated — the explosion could be heard 30 miles away. Iron Mountain: Pilot Knob’s iron deposits made it strategically vital — the Iron Mountain Railroad connected the mines to St. Louis.
Best Time to Visit
September: Anniversary reenactments. Fall: Iron County foliage. Spring: Wildflowers on the battlefield. Year-round: Earthworks and visitor center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did 1,500 hold off 12,000?
Union forces at Fort Davidson used earthen fortifications, artillery, and the narrow approach to funnel Confederate attackers into kill zones. General Sterling Price’s Confederates suffered 1,500 casualties in frontal assaults against 200 Union casualties. That night, the Union garrison quietly evacuated, blowing up the magazine. The Confederate “victory” was Pyrrhic — the delays and losses crippled Price’s Missouri Raid.
More parks nearby: Jay Nixon State Park is a short drive away, while Taum Sauk Mountain State Park lies a short drive away.
Wildlife & Nature
Fort Davidson SHS — preserves the site of the 1864 Battle of Pilot Knob, where 1,450 Union defenders held off 12,000 Confederate troops under General Sterling Price — one of the most lopsided defensive stands in Civil War history. The park’s forested hills and earthworks support white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Pilot Knob — adjacent. Arcadia Valley — surrounding. Johnson’s Shut-Ins SP — 20 miles south. Elephant Rocks SP — 15 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort Davidson State Historic Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.
Are dogs allowed at Fort Davidson State Historic Site?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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