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Red Marker 3 - “A nightmare scene”

Bloody Hill Red Marker 3 - "A nightmare scene"Location: Follow the trail east and south (ahead the trail begins to turn to the right) for about 100 yards and you should see Red Marker 3 [ Waypoint = N37 06.333 W93 24.697 ] on the left.

WCNB Description:

"From this point, Union troops stretched over 350 yards from Wilson Creek behind you, west to just beyond ZZ highway. Lyon's men, held in place by the lethal fire of Woodruff's guns, fought off three major Southern attacks in the area to you left. Bitterly contested, this hilltop saw much suffering. Of the 535 men who were killed dureing the battle, over 500 of them died on Bloody Hill. The suffocating heat, the roar of the battle, the choking clouds of gunpowder smoke, and the terrible cries of the wounded and dying created a nightmare scene. For over three hours the two armies pounded each other, often nearly at point blank range. Few thought of the glories of war as the struggle continued. Gone were the bands, the parades, the pretty girls, and the patriotic speeches. All that mattered was the 'great fury' of the battle, as each man yelled, fired, and fought for what seemed like days instead of hours, while 'some of the best blood in the land was being spilled as recklessly as if it were ditch water.'"



The Muse South African