Ewing's Retreat Auto Tour

at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site

9/26/2026 | Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site | Pilot Knob, Mo.

The Retreat

On Sept. 27, 1864, Union forces led by Gen. Thomas Ewing defended Fort Davidson from Confederate attackers during the Battle of Pilot Knob. After the battle, the heavily outnumbered Union forces slipped out of the fort during the night and and made a daring escape to the north. Ewing and company covered 66 miles in 39 hours while fighting a rear guard battle most of the way. This superhuman trek was even more impressive considering Ewing's men had women and children refugees with them.

The Tour

Each year, Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site hosts an interpretive auto tour to commemorate and retrace Ewing's retreat. The 2026 tour will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26.

During this free event, staff members will lead participants to several waypoints along the route of Ewing's retreat, interpreting the actions of both sides along the way. The tour will include a stop for lunch at Onondaga Cave State Park. There are no facilities at this stop besides picnic tables and restrooms. Please bring your own lunch.

Registration and Transportation

Registration is required. Please register by calling the historic site office at 573-546-3454.

If you would like to participate in the tour but are unable to drive to the waypoints, be sure to request a seat on our 10-person bus when you register. Those who are able drive themselves should do so.

Itinerary

  • 8:30 a.m. – Get organized and give participants maps and/or van assignments.
  • 9 a.m. – Leave Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic site.
  • 9:20 a.m. – Arrive at Caledonia. Stop at city hall on Webster Road to interpret the interaction between Shelby’s cavalry and Ewing’s command.
  • 9:30 a.m. – Proceed to Palmer on Highway Z.
  • 10 a.m. – Arrive at Palmer. Stop at Palmer Church and spring. Interpret the rest stop and the massacre of six militia men left at the town. Proceed to Palmer Cemetery; visit the graves of Civil War veterans.
  • 10:30 a.m. – Proceed to Huzzah Valley Resort to use the restrooms and visit the grave of a Union soldier.
  • 11:30 a.m. – Proceed to Huzzah Conservation Area. 
  • 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Arrive at Huzzah Conservation Area. Stop at the shooting range parking lot to interpret the retreat up the Huzzah Valley. See a rifle firing demonstration at the shooting range.
  • 12:30 p.m. – Proceed to Onondaga Cave State Park.
  • 12:45-1:45 p.m. – Eat lunch at Onondaga Cave State Park. (Only picnic tables and restrooms will be available at this stop.)
  • 1:45 p.m. – Proceed to Leasburg.
  • 2 p.m. – Arrive at Leasburg. Interpret the battle and the relief from Union forces arriving from Rolla.
  • 2:30 p.m. – Proceed to Sullivan via Interstate 44 and then to Potosi via Highway 185.
  • 3 p.m. – Arrive at Potosi. Stop at the Walmart parking lot and interpret the activities of General Shelby in Potosi as the battle was going on in Pilot Knob. Return to Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site.
  • 3:30-4 p.m. – Arrive at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site and end the program.

Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site Contact Information:

  • Address: 118 E. Maple St., Pilot Knob, Mo.
  • Phone number: 573-546-3454