Kansas:
- Pro-Union: Kansas entered the Union in 1861 and remained firmly on the side of the Union throughout the war. The state had been embroiled in a period known as "Bleeding Kansas" in the late 1850s due to tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. As a result, Kansas had a strong anti-slavery sentiment, and many of its residents were committed to the Union cause.
- Guerrilla Warfare: Kansas was a hotbed of guerrilla warfare, with pro-Union and pro-Confederate forces engaging in violent conflicts. The most famous guerrilla leader on the pro-Union side was James H. Lane, known as "the Prince of Guerrillas." These conflicts often involved raids, ambushes, and skirmishes.
Missouri:
- Divided State: Missouri's allegiances were divided during the Civil War. The state had close economic and cultural ties to both the North and South, and many of its residents had differing views on slavery and the war. This division led to intense internal conflict and the formation of pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions.
- Governor Claiborne F. Jackson: Missouri's governor, Claiborne F. Jackson, was a staunch supporter of the Confederacy and sought to align the state with the Southern cause. However, the Union won control of the state legislature, which led to a stalemate and the eventual military occupation of Missouri by Union troops.
- Bushwhackers: The pro-Confederate forces in Missouri were known as "Bushwhackers" and engaged in irregular warfare against the Union. They often targeted pro-Union civilians, leading to widespread violence and destruction. Notable Bushwhackers included leaders such as William Quantrill and "Bloody Bill" Anderson.
- Battle of Wilson's Creek: One of the most significant battles fought in Missouri during the Civil War was the Battle of Wilson's Creek (August 10, 1861), which resulted in a Confederate victory. This battle was crucial in shaping Missouri's divided allegiances and paved the way for further conflicts in the state.