| 9th Missouri Sharpshooters |
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| Major Lebbeus Pindall commanded the battalion throughout it's existence. Born in 1834 in what is now West Virginia, Pindall came to Missouri in 1856 and practiced law in Monroe County, Missouri. Pindalls' Sharpshooters were in their 1st battle less than a month after being formed when, on December 7th, 1862, they distinguished themselves at the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. They also led the attack of Parson's Brigade in the bloddy assault on fortified Helena Arkansas on July 4th 1863, the most momentus day of the entire war. In April 1864, they fought in the Battle of Pleasant Hill and helped beat back Union forces in the Red River Campaign. Immediately afterwards, the 9th MOSS marched over 100 miles to assist in retaking Camden Arkansas and then pursued retreating Union troops another 60 miles in a driving rain, resulting in the fierce battle of Jenkins Ferry on April 30th, 1864, for which they were commended for thier gallant conduct. Thier flag, which was made by the Ladies of New Orleans and presented to the unti by General Sterling "Pap" Price, was never lost in battle and is still on display at Little Rock's Old Capital Museum. |
| The 9th MO Sharpshooters Today |
| The Real 9th MO Sharpshooters |
| We take part in 1 or 2 reenactments per month from April to November. We also participate in parades, festivals, living histories and other events throughout the year both as a gorup and as individuals. Our members come from all walks of life and are united by a passion for the history of the Civil War & American History. |
| Some of our members have particiapted in noteworthy events including the movie "Gettysburg", a 60 mile march from Cassville, MO to a reenactment at Wilson's Creek & a similar march for a reenactment commemorating the Red River Campaign. The 9th Missouri Sharpshooters is part of the 1st Missouri Battlaion, CSA which also attaches us to the Trans-Mississippi Division. We attend large events each year as part of our Battalion and Divsion where we are counted among the thousands of reenactors. The large numbers and diversity of portrayals at these events provides a truly memorable experience for reenactors and the public alike. Ever wonder what it would feel like to march across a Civil War Battlefield, shoulder to shoulder with your comrades in arms? Are you curious to "See the Elephant?" |
| Founded in 1988, our club is deedicated to preserving the history of the Civil War era. While our primary impression is that of the Confederate & Missouri State Guard Infantry that |
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| fought in Missouri and other states of the Trans-Mississippi, we quite often wear our Union Blue when the scenario calls for it. As Living History enthusiasts, we strive for authenticity and a dignified portrayal of the way our ancestors and fore-bearers lived, fought and died. Through our efforts we come to a better understanding of life in the 1860s and we help make the public more aware of this crucial period in our nation's history. It is the authentic portrayal of the people who lived and died during the Civil War that motivates our members in this pursuit and not any political or ideological agenda. |
| The 9th Missouri Sharpshooters, aka Pindall's Sharpshooters were formed at Fort Smith Arkansas sometime after Nov.10th 1862. Many of the individual members were veterans of the Missouri State Guard and saw action in the Battles of Booneville, Wilson's Creek, Lexington & Pea Ridge. |
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| The 9th MO SS garrisoned various parts of southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana until June 2nd, 1865, nearly 2 months after Lee's surrender in Virginia, when General E. Kirby Smith surrendered the Trans-Mississippi Department including the officers and men of the 9th MOSS. |
| From Shreveport, LA, on June 9th 186, the remaining men of the 9th MOSS were loaded upon the steamer "Kentucky" which left that afternoon at 4:00. Shortly after leaving dock, the steamer struck a submerged cybress stump. Rather than stop for repairs or find other transports for the paroled confederates, the federal officer responsible for the transport continued on without taking any corrective action. Around 11:00pm while most of the men above and below were sleeping, the boat quivered and began filling with water. Within minutes the "Kentucky" was half submerged and sinking in the Red River. While an exact death toll was never determined, only about 400 of the approximate 690 passengers and crew were found the next morning. After surviving 4 years of warfare, poor food, disease & exposure to the elements, the surviving men of Pindall's Sharpshooters dried themselves on the banks of the Red River and buried thier comrades who just hours before must have been joyous at finally starting for home and loved ones. Following the bloody battle of Helene, Arkansas, General Mosby M. Parson's wrote: "While the country will long mourn the loss of the gallant officers and men who fell as martyrs to our cause, the historians of this revolution will record them as the bravest of the brave." |
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| For the right individual, Civil War Reenacting can be very fulfilling. It will cost you nothing to experience your first reenactment. Members of the 9th MOSS will assist anyone wishing to investigate this unique hobby firsthand. Contact Us |