Fighting at Rouslers Ford - August 11th, 1861

After taking Marion on August 10th, the Confederate column that includes a battery of artillery and a brigade of of infantry marched west on the Springfield Pike, encountering the 2nd Illinois Infantry again north of the ford and town of Rouslers Ford. It was then clear that Springfield, not Marion, must be the Confederate objective.

The 2nd Illinois was deployed at a meeting house at the intersection of the Springfield Pike and Mill Creek Road. As the Confederates approached, they stopped on a hill at the school near the intersection of the Springfield and Clinton Pikes. Their battery unlimbered and opened fire. Eventually, the Confederate infantry advanced, with the 1st Arkansas once again leading the attack. The Confederates were able to bring three of their regiments into position and flank the 2nd Illinois, forcing it to retreat to Springfield, a rail terminus and major objective in the campaign.