The fall of Island No. 10 was a significant blow to Confederate control of the Mississippi River (American Civil War). New Madrid and the nearby island were thought to be key strategic positions, control of which, was crucial to both sides. The Union laid siege to New Madrid in early March under the command of General John Pope. The six week siege of the town and Island No 10 would end in a Union victory, allowing them to move south along the Mississippi and extend Union control of the river.
The New Madrid Historical Museum has a large collection of artifacts from the fighting in and around New Madrid including weapons, shells, bullets, and uniforms. these all help us retell the story of the critical battle fought here in 1862.
