Battle of Roan's Tan Yard

Other Names: Silver Creek

Location: Randolf County, Missouri

Campaign: Operations in Northeast Missouri (1861-62)

Date: January 8, 1862

Principal Commanders: Maj. W.M.G. Torrence [US]; Col. J.A. Poindexter [CS]

Forces Engaged: 1st and 2nd Missouri Cavalry, 4th Ohio Cavalry, and 1st Iowa Cavalry (450) [US]; 1,000 [CS]

Casualties and losses: 91 total (US 11; CS 80)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Rumors and sightings of a Confederate force in the Howard County area had circulated for more than a week, but the Union troops could not locate them. On January 7, 1862, information came to hand that Col. J.A. Poindexter and his Confederate force were camped on Silver Creek. Detachments from various Union units came together and headed towards the Confederate camp which was about 14 miles northwest of Fayette. After finding the camp, the force attacked, routing the enemy and sending those that were not killed, wounded, or captured fleeing for safety. Afterwards, the Union force destroyed the camp to prevent its further use. The Confederates could no longer use their Randolph County base for recruiting and raiding.