Fort Davidson State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 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.
