Photos by Visit Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, MO. – In the week that the 141st USA Archery Target Nationals & U.S. Open takes place at the Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town complex, one of the most famous battles of the Civil War marks its 164th anniversary less than 10 miles away.
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was fought on August 10, 1861. Not only was it the first major battle west of the Mississippi, but it was also noted for resulting in the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the Civil War.
Missouri was among a number of states which bore the brunt of the Civil War’s devastation, and you will never be too far from history during this year’s Target Nationals & U.S. Open, with Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and the Civil War Museum in Springfield offering fascinating insight.
Wilson’s Creek is 15 minutes south of Springfield, and where Union troops eventually retreated on the orders of Major Samuel Sturgis, whose command they fell under after the death of General Lyon.
Such was the significance of Springfield as a communications and supply center, that there would be the First Battle of Springfield in October 1861 and a Second Battle of Springfield in January of 1863.
In mentioning in brief these slices of history from the U.S. Civil War is to highlight the significance of the location for this year’s Target Nationals & U.S. Open, a site surrounded by ghosts of the past which have helped shape this great nation. And so, for those competing in Springfield this August, time away from the archery field could be spent scouring the battle fields.
For the car buffs, Springfield takes bragging rights as being the birthplace of Route 66. A plaque in Park Central Square in downtown Springfield commemorates the moment in 1926 when a telegram was sent from Springfield proposing the name Route 66 for the Chicago to Los Angeles Highway.
Park Central Square contains another plaque, in the southwest corner, which marks the spot where on July 21, 1865, the first quick-fire duel in America took place during which J.B. “Wild Bill” Hickok shot and killed local gambler Davis K. Tutt.
Closer to home in the archery sense, and Springfield boasts the Archery Hall of Fame, situated within the original and largest (almost 500,000 square feet) of the Bass Pro Shops.
The 2025 USA Archery Target Nationals & U.S. Open takes place a few days before the World Archery Youth Championship in Winnipeg, Canada and a few weeks prior to the World Archery Championships and the World Archery Para Championships, both of which will be in Korea.
This year’s venue - the Allison Sports Town complex - spans 82 acres, offers 12 outdoor sports fields, and will host the nation’s best archers from August 14-17.
The early registration fee runs through July 24. The deadline for registration is August 1. Target Nationals runs from August 14-17.
Each participant will receive a free ticket to visit Wonders of Wildlife, voted America’s best aquarium seven of the last eight years by readers of USA Today.
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