Following the Battle of Wilsons Creek in August 1861, Springfield was occupied by approximately 1000 members of the State Guards. The secessionists camped on both sides of the Mt. Vernon Road one and one-fourth miles west of the Public Square. On October 25, 1861, Major Charles Zagonyi led 300 members of General Freemont's Body Guard in a series of charges against the forewarned southern sympathizers. During the skirmish, the secessionists retreated and the Union troops entered Springfield. Fifty-two of Zagonyi's men were wounded, killed, or missing. Reports of the State Guard losses were from 9 to 23. Much of the action took place in and east of this park.

Approved: 2/26/79