Red Marker 4 - “I am killed”
Location: Follow the trail a short distance and you should see Red Marker 4 [ Waypoint = N37 06.301 W93 24.697 ] on the right.
WCNB Description:
"The stone on your left commemorates General Lyon and those who were killed at Wilson's Creek. Fanatically pro-Union, Lyon did not lack for personal courage. Never far from the hottest fighting, he was twice wounded during the second Southern assault. Bleeding, stunned he staggered to the rear. Moments later, while leading the 2nd Kansas into battle some 40 yards southwest of this spot, a bullet pierced his chest. 'I am killed,' he exclaimed as he collapsed into the arms of hi orderly. His body was covered with a blanket so that his men would not lose heart. Lyon was the first Union general killed during the war. And yet one could argue it was his inexperience as a general - he had recently been promoted from captain - that cost him his life. A general's proper place was to the rear, directing and coordinating his troop, not at the front of the battle line. Nonetheless, by 10 A.M., Major Samuel Sturgis took command of the Union forces. Moments later, the third and bloodiest phase of the fight for Bloody Hill began."
For more on Lyon's death, please refer to the Lyon's Death Marker Tour Stop.