Union Victory at Wilson's Creek ATL

Hey guys, this is a topic that i'm not going to write an atl on, but just wanted to explore the possiblities of a Union victory at Wilson's Creek. I am wondering how it would effect the outcome of the Civil War. Would it make it shorter or longer? Would the Confederacy focus more on the west than the east? Thoughts? Comments? Ideas? oh, one more thing. Along with a Union Victory, lets have Lyon survive it. Maybe he would become more famous than Grant or Sherman?:rolleyes:
 
Lyon had gotten very badly overstretched by the time of that battle. If he didn't retreat after that battle, win or lose, he would have been destroyed.
 
Ben McCulloch wasn't committed to an extended campaign in Missouri anyway so his Army of the West will fall back into Arkansas no matter what happens. Sterling Price would probably be the main victim of a defeat as he would lose most of his power base in Missouri and have to rely on McCulloch for future operations. Lyon living would be interesting as Grant considered him one of the most bold generals in the Union but, of course, boldness can be a hinderance as much as a help.
 
It seems like Lyon is too good of a leader to be wasted in SW Missouri even if he survives Wilson Creek.

He had one thing that a lot of Union commanders lacked, initiative to take the fight to the South.

Is there a way he can team with Grant to lead a campaign down the Mississippi.

Pehaps after a straegic withdraw from Springfield, he can be assigned to advance down the western shore of the Missouri while Grant proceeds down the east.
 
It seems like Lyon is too good of a leader to be wasted in SW Missouri even if he survives Wilson Creek.

He had one thing that a lot of Union commanders lacked, initiative to take the fight to the South.

Is there a way he can team with Grant to lead a campaign down the Mississippi.

Pehaps after a straegic withdraw from Springfield, he can be assigned to advance down the western shore of the Missouri while Grant proceeds down the east.

I think you meant to say the Mississippi. The west bank of the Mississippi River is one swamp/bayou after another clean to Arkansas Post. In fact, it was a combination of riverine warfare and marching inland that allowed Grant success on both sides of the river. When Fremont tried to go down the west side of the river (without gunboat support), the Confederates led him on a wild goose chase. He went ever deeper into the swamps of southeastern Missouri until he was relieved by Hunter.
 
I'm thinking that Lyon would replace Fremont and would probably have chased Price and McCulloch out of Missouri and Northern Arkansas. Maybe instead of Van Dorn doing a flanking manuver at Pea Ridge, maybe Lyon beats him to the punch and outflanks Van Dorn, forcing him to retreat? What then?
 
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