Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Directly adjoining the City of Republic is Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, a national park and site of the second major battle of the Civil War.

Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and the scene of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in combat.  Although a Southern victory, the Southerners failed to capitalize on their success.  With the exception of vegetation, the field has changed little and remains in near pristine condition.

The park contains several amenities and attractions, including:

• The Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum (formerly the General Sweeny Museum).
• A visitor center containing exhibits about the battle, a 29 minute film, an eight-minute fiber optics map program and a bookstore.
• A Civil War research library.
• A 4.9 mile paved tour road, suitable for a self-guided auto tour.
  
• The Ray House, dating from the 1850's, which served as a field hospital for Southern soldiers following the battle.
• August 10 of every year, the anniversary of the battle is observed with a special program and ceremony.
• Annual candlelight tours are held.
• Living history programs depicting Civil War soldier life, muskey and artillery firing demonstrations, Civil War medicine, and other related topics are presented from Memorial Day to Labor Day on selected weekends.