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GEN. EWING REPULSES PRICE'S ARMY AT FORT DAVIDSON
Turner Brigade members joined in the defense of Fort Davidson in the 137th Anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Pilot Knob, Missouri, September 22-23, 2001.
Federal troops at this year's Pilot Knob event included six companies of infantry, ten guns, and a dozen or so mounted cavalry, a stronger total force compared to past events. Here, Union infantry leaves the fort to meet the enemy advance on Ironton.
Federal engineers, including members of Company E, constucted field fortifications for guns outside the fort.
The infantry forms up inside the fort before the Confederate's Sunday assault.
Four guns of Co. M and one 6-pdr. from Kansas were positioned on the front wall. Here, the battery inside the fort fires its opening salvo, by piece from the right.
Four Parrott rifles, three guns from Co. K and one from Kansas, were stationed outside the fort. Here, the battery outside the fort opens fire.
The infantry then took to the walls between the guns. Only half the companies could be in position on the wall at one time, merely hinting at the crowded conditions of the actual battle when about 1,000 troops were inside the fort.
Having successfully repulsed the first assault, the defenders waved the colors on the fort wall and loudly taunted Price's rebels to come at them again.
After reforming their lines, the Confederates charged at the double-quick into a hailstorm of Union lead and shot. Despite heavy casualties, they pressed on until they reached the dry moat surrounding the fort.
Stopped by the moat and the high, steep earth walls of the fort, the attackers were subjected to heavy musket fire from the infantry and hand grenades from the artillerymen. Here, Pvt. Ron Colatskie pitches a Ketcham grenade (seen in flight by the wheel of the gun) into the moat. The Battle of Pilot Knob was one of the few engagements of the Civil War where the use of hand grenades is documented.
Many of the Turner Ladies turned out to support their men at this event. Here, some rest in the shade of the artillery supply wagon.
Parts reprinted from the October 2001 issue of The Shrapnel, the newletter of the Turner Brigade.
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