Even steven

The second day of my trip to Wilson's Creek was not as extensive as the first because of the weather. Rain came through the area, but I was up early and had a chance to check out the rest of the site.

The most exciting part of it was the Ray house, which is the only original building left. And judging by the size, they were fairly well off. There was not much to read or learn about the family, just that their house was used as a field hospital. And they hid in the cellar during the fighting.

Stations four and six were more of just stopping off points to show battlefield positioning by the Union Army. There wasn't at either site other than a map and a plaque.

Station eight gave a great overview of the entire battlefield. It was on the ridge that the Union Army entered, and later exited, the battlefield. It gave great closure to the entire experience.

I did have a chance to walk through the museum after leaving the park. It was well done, and should most likely be walked through before going to the battlefield. After going through it, you have a better understanding of why the battle was fought there, the positioning of the armies, and overall outcome and consequences, actions, and reactions by the warring factions.

In retrospect, the park can be visited in just one day. I feel that I made the right decision to break up the visit into two days. With all the walking, and the four hour drive from Wichita, it would have been a little too much to take in.