First Missouri Brigade

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First Missouri Brigade

The First Missouri Brigade was a Confederate infantry unit in the American Civil War. It was active from January 1862 to May 1865 and fought for the Confederate States Army. The brigade was mostly formed from the Missouri State Guard, a secessionist group created from the Missouri Volunteer Militia when Missouri’s loyalty was in doubt. It formed in the winter of 1861–62 as part of Sterling Price’s division and was first commanded by Lewis Henry Little. When Price’s division commander was promoted in September 1862, Little left the brigade and Elijah Gates took over. Francis Cockrell became the brigade’s commander in March 1863 and led it for most of the war. The brigade’s last stand was at the Battle of Fort Blakeley in April 1865 under Colonel James McCown.

Battles:
- Pea Ridge
- Iuka
- Second Corinth
- Port Gibson
- Champion Hill
- Big Black River Bridge
- Siege of Vicksburg
- Allatoona
- Franklin
- Fort Blakeley