Three day campaign fought from October 21 - 23, 1864
The largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.
"Storm of Lead," original painting by Tom Beard.
Battlefield Tours
The Monnett Battle of Westport Fund, Inc. offers guided battlefield tours of sites throughout the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
• Walking tour of the Big Blue Battlefield, Byram's Ford and the Byram's Ford Road
• Walking tour of the Battle of Westport near Brush Creek and Loose Park
• Auto tour of the Battle of Westport throughout Kansas City
Each tour can be customized to the customer's requirements. There can be lots of walking or minimal walking. Our walking tours may involve walking several miles, sometimes on muddy and uneven ground. Good hiking shoes/boots are highly recommended. All proceeds help fund ongoing battlefield preservation efforts.
Left: Daniel L. Smith leading a tour group on the Big Blue Battlefield (photo by theCivilWarMuse).
Battlefield Preservation
The Battle of Westport ranks among the top 25 most significant Civil War sites in the nation as a Class A battle site according to the National Park Service's Civil War Sites Advisory Commission. The Wilson's Creek battlefield, which marked the beginning of the war, and the Battle of Westport are the only two Class A sites in Missouri. We are dedicated to restoring a portion of the battlefield to 1864 conditions.
Left: Byram's Ford as seen from the east bank of the Big Blue River(photo by theCivilWarMuse).