The Battle of Marais des Cygnes, Kansas, occurred on October 25, 1864, during the Civil War as part of Major General Sterling Price’s Raid into Missouri and Kansas.

Also known as the Battle of Osage and the Battle of Trading Post, the skirmish took place in Linn County, Kansas, after General Price and his men were defeated at Westport, Missouri, on October 23. They then began making their way toward Fort Scott and its large supply depot. Along the way, the Confederates encountered Union troops under Major General Samuel R. Curtis and Major General Alfred Pleasonton around Kansas City, Missouri. Price and his men then withdrew South into Kansas. General Pleasanton pursued them to the Marais des Cygnes River. After an artillery bombardment that began around 4:00 a.m., Pleasonton’s men attacked furiously. Although outnumbered, they hit the Rebel line and forced it to withdraw. Though unable to prevent the crossing or inflict serious damage on the Confederate forces, Pleasonton’s troopers did manage to capture prisoners and artillery. The number of casualties in the Union victory is unknown.

The Union troops again pursued the Confederates about six miles south and engaged them in a larger battle later that day at Mine Creek. Yet a third battle occurred that day, as Union forces followed Price and his troops into Missouri. This was the Battle of Marmiton River

Price’s campaign ended on October 28, after the Battle of Newtonia, Missouri.

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2026.

Also See:

Battle of Mine Creek

The Civil War

Kansas in the Civil War

Price’s Raid

See Sources.