| Missouri was torn between Unionists and Secessionists. The leader of the Secessionists was the state's governor, Claiborne Jackson. The leading Unionist, Francis Blair was aided by Captain Nathaniel Lyon, who organized the Unionists. They attacked the Secessionist militia and in a series of military victories chased them to the South West corner of the state in Springfield Lyon met a force much larger than his own. In a battle, on August 10th 1861, the Confederate forces routed Union forces, killing Lyon. For a brief period, Confederate forces advanced and occupied Lexington until they were forced to withdraw |
