Commence the Music

From this spot, the postions of all four artillery batteries under the command of Brigadier Francis Herron can be seen. Initially arriving at the ford of the Illinois river at 10 a.m., the Federals could not cross due to the threat of ten Confederate guns shelling them. Not willing to risk the loss of life, Heron spent hours desperatley trying to find another crossing, eventually locating a spot north of the main ford. A road was cut out and Captain David Murphey's Bettery F, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, was the first to race across.

Three of Murphy's rifled guns took position on Crawford's Hill, the large rise one mile to the north, while the remaining three guns deployed at the base of the hill. Growing tired of the lack of action, Blocher's battery fired a single shot at about 1:30 p.m., hoping to spark some sort of repsponse. Murphey gladly accepted the invitation and ordered his guns to bambard Blocher's position.

While the Confederates were preoccupied with Murphy, Herron saw his chance. The rest of the Federal artillery dashed across the main ford and Lieutenant Joseph Foust quickly unlimbered his six rifled guns of Battery E, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, on the knoll to your right. Captain Frank Backof brought his six guns of battery L, 1st Light Artillery, into action in the fields in front of you and was quickly joined by two additional guns from lieutenant Herman Borris' Battery A, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. One federal officer watched the scene in amazement: Within minutes, Herron had 20 guns wreaking havoc on the ridge line. The superior number and weaponry of the Federal artillery would play a decisive role throughout the Battle of Prairie Grove.