The Ray Family
Wilson's Creek
The Ray House is the only park structure on its original site that dates back to the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Postmaster and farmer John Ray built it in the 1850s. For ten years it served as the Wilson's Creek Post Office, a stopping place on the old Wire Road that connected Springfield, Missouri with Fort Smith, Arkansas.
In 1861, twelve people were living here: John and Roxanna Ray, their nine children, and a mail carrier. Their slave "Aunt Rhoda" and her four children occupied a small cabin to the rear of the house. On August 10, 1861, they found themselves in the path of war.
(Captions under illustrations):
During the battle the Ray family took refuge in their cellar.
The Ray House served as a hospital during and after the battle.
Marker can be reached from Tour Road, on the left when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
