Fast Facts: Civil War Battles

American History

Baxter Springs Massacre
October 6, 1863	Baxter Springs, Kansas
Union Commander(s): Lieutenant Pond - Fort Blair commander, Major General James G. Blount - commander of passing column.	Confederate Commander(s): Colonel William C. Quantrill
Union Troops Involved: Fort Blair - Around 60 colored troops and 25 cavalry. Blount's column - 125 men.	Confederate Troops Involved: Several hundred raiders, exact numbers unknown.
Union Casualties: Aproximately 90 percent of Blount's column was destroyed.	Confederate Casualties: Unknown
Victor: Union
Additional Comments: William C. Quantrill led his troops dressed as union soldiers against Fort Blair at Baxter Springs and caught them unaware. Many of them men were out foraging for food at the time. However, Lieutenant Pond was able to bring his 12 pound cannon to bear on the raiders and force their retreat. Quantrill then caught Major General Blount's column by surprise and crushed the unit. The general was able to escape but he may have lost as much as 90 percent of his men. Although a victory for the north in that they were able to hold the fort, it was a very costly one.