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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR GAMING CLUB
Competition - honor - friendship
camaraderie - respect - challenge
Est.
1997
Campaign Ozark has always been a "weaker" title in my opinion. It was well-researched and the designers did the best they could given the really weak organizations in the Trans-Mississippi and the poor quality of both the leaders and the men in many cases. That being said, there are few really "good" scenarios I would recommend from the title. All are "playable" and may be fun given the right circumstance and opponent. But if you are just looking at them trying to find an even, fun, and challenging scenario - the options are few. If you are looking for an epic one with large forces - you won't find it at all.
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CONTENT
18 Total Scenarios Recommended
4 Rated "Excellent"
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NOTE: ALL NUMBERS HERE REFLECT THE ACTIVE STRENGTHS OF THE ARMIES. THESE NUMBERS DO NOT INCLUDE PERMANENTLY FIXED UNITS.
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21 Turns
03 - Wilson's Creek_HistScn
My Rating: Okay
5,850
5,115
335
400
16
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
10,045
5,851
3,819
375
15
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK -- At dawn on August 10, 1861, General Nathaniel Lyon launched his surprise attack on the combined Confederate/State Guard camp at Wilson's Creek, Mo. Federal shells lobbed into the cavalry camps to the south caused a panic, effectively opening the way into the Southern rear for General Franz Sigel's brigade. At the north end of the field, the lines eventually solidified west of the Telegraph road atop what came to be known later as "Bloody Hill". There General Lyon was killed and his force of Federals finally defeated after a long, tough fight. To the south near Skegg Branch, Sigel, after initial success, misidentified oncoming Confederate forces as friendlies and his brigade was routed.
Analysis - This sharp little battle is, admittedly, a bit of chaotic and confusing fun. Although the Confederates are larger in size, their quality is mostly poor. They also start the battle disrupted, fixed, or routed in many instances.
21 Turns
03B - Wilson's Creek_HistScn
My Rating: Good
5,850
5,115
335
400
16
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
10,045
5,851
3,819
375
15
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK -- (No Fixed Units Variant) At dawn on August 10, 1861, General Nathaniel Lyon launched his surprise attack on the combined Confederate/State Guard camp at Wilson's Creek, Mo. Federal shells lobbed into the cavalry camps to the south caused a panic, effectively opening the way into the Southern rear for General Franz Sigel's brigade. At the north end of the field, the lines eventually solidified west of the Telegraph road atop what came to be known later as "Bloody Hill". There General Lyon was killed and his force of Federals finally defeated after a long, tough fight. To the south near Skegg Branch, Sigel, after initial success, misidentified oncoming Confederate forces as friendlies and his brigade was routed. (In this scenario, all Confederate/MSG units are unfixed)
Analysis - The free movement from the start for the Confederates is a real bonus here in this historical setup.
18 Turns
03D - Wilson's Creek_Histvar
My Rating: Good
5,850
5,115
335
400
16
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
10,045
5,851
3,819
375
15
Description - BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK, Aug. 10, 1861 -- (Historical Variant) -- (No Fixed Units) In this variant, Lyon scraps Sigel's flanking march as impractical. He takes a more conservative approach and attacks the Southern camps from the north with his entire force. There are no Confederate and State Guard fixed units.
Analysis - This is the same setup as 03C but without fixed units. The Federals will be more compact and it will be a bloody battle given the small numbers involved.
27 Turns
03E - SpringRiver_Whatif
My Rating: Good
7,238
6,323
465
450
18
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
10,070
5,851
3,844
375
15
Description - Spring River Fight, Aug. 13, 1861 (What-If) -- This scenario assumes that General Lyon abandons Springfield and attempts to link up instead with Federal forces and river resupply at Lexington. State Guard and Confederate cavalry catch up with the Union rear guard at the Spring River. Lyon can either retrace his steps and contest the crossing or select a battlefield of his own choosing to the north.
Analysis - I am not too sure what to make of this one but I would play it and give it a shot. The Federals have the qualitative advantage but the Rebels are more numerous and have more cavalry.
94 Turns
07B - PR_Pea Ridge full H
My Rating: Poor
10,960
7,725
1,935
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
13,449
7,947
4,027
1,475
59
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE, March 7-8, 1862 -- Facing the daunting Union fortifications at Little Sugar Creek, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn decided upon a daring and extremely risky plan. He would take his entire army and interpose it between the Union army and its line of communications. The Bentonville Detour sweeps to the west around the Union lines and to their rear at Cross Timber Hollow. An all-night forced march would have his men in position at the Hollow at dawn on the 7th. Unfortunately, fatigue and disorganization, combined with felled tree obstructions at both ends of the detour, scattered the army all along the road and when dawn came only the head of Price's column was in position. Nonetheless, Van Dorn was squarely in the enemy's rear.
Analysis - This scenario is just not much fun for the Confederates. Without any supply wagons to utilize, there just isn't much reason to play this one unless you are desperate to fight all the historical battles. Couple that with Rebel units which are already in high fatigue status, the poor overall quality of many units, and the abysmal leaders on the field… not fun at all.
13 Turns
07C - PR_Leetown Hist
My Rating: Good
4,067
2,965
727
375
15
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
7,322
3,856
3,016
450
18
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF LEETOWN (Pea Ridge) March 7, 1862 -- (12:40p) After discovering the Confederate move up the Bentonville Detour, Union General Samuel Curtis dispatched a flying column to Leetown to cover his right rear. The ad-hoc cavalry force attacked Confederate cavalry moving along the Ford Road toward's Elkhorn Tavern. After initial success in scattering much of the Confederate Indians, the Federals were attacked by overwhelming numbers and routed, losing their artillery at Foster's Farm. The Confederates then pulled their infantry from the road and, after forming them into line, moved them to the attack.
Analysis - This smaller scenario is a challenging one. This is a good scenario to play if you are looking for a short and sweet skirmish.
94 Turns
07G - PR_Pea Ridge full Supplied
My Rating: Good
10,960
7,725
1,935
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
13,449
7,947
4,027
1,475
59
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE, March 7-8, 1862 -- Facing the daunting Union fortifications at Little Sugar Creek, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn decided upon a daring and extremely risky plan. He would take his entire army and interpose it between the Union army and its line of communications. The Bentonville Detour sweeps to the west around the Union lines and to their rear at Cross Timber Hollow. An all-night forced march would have his men in position at the Hollow at dawn on the 7th. Unfortunately, fatigue and disorganization, combined with felled tree obstructions at both ends of the detour, scattered the army all along the road and when dawn came only the head of Price's column was in position. Nonetheless, Van Dorn was squarely in the enemy's rear.
Analysis - If you really want to play at Pea Ridge then I recommend you choose this scenario as it adds supply wagons to the Confederate column. There are additional Pea Ridge options to play listed later in this Scenario Guide.
41 Turns
09 - Prairie Grove H0500h
My Rating: Good
12,789
4,743
6,746
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
12,491
9,163
2,553
775
31
Description - (HISTORICAL) -- BATTLE OF PRAIRIE GROVE, December 7, 1862 -- (5:00a) While Blunt's Kansas Division pulled back to the north end of Cane Hill after the battle, General Francis Herron was rushing to his aid at the head of his own division and that of Col. David Huston. Confederate commander Thomas Hindman originally planned to attack Blunt at Cane Hill and kicked off his offensive with the capture of Reed's Mountain on the 6th. Hearing of Herron's approach, Hindman changed his mind about Cane Hill and instead moved to attack Herron. Leaving a cavalry brigade to hold Blunt in place, Hindman moved towards Prairie Grove with three divisions. Around 5am the two cavalry brigades of Marmaduke's division, which were leading the advance, cleared a Federal roadblock at the Cane Hill Road-Hogeye Cutoff crossroads and continued north on the Cove Creek Road. The direct route to Prairie Grove was open. Historically, Blunt did not move until around 10am so in this version much of Blunt's division begins the scenario fixed.
Analysis - This is the preferred setup for Prairie Grove and probably the most balanced overall.
21 Turns
boon c2u1 - First Battle of Booneville
My Rating: Good
1,702
1,542
10
150
6
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
2,160
1,600
385
175
7
Description - Battle of Boonville, June 17, 1861 In this variant the State Guard chooses to risk its precious artillery in the hopes of defeating Lyon.
Analysis - This is the most Confederate friendly of the Booneville setups. With this setup the Rebels might just be able to overcome their very poor quality - but it still won't be easy for them.
22 Turns
cc c1u1 - Trap at McDowell
My Rating: Good
10,864
7,725
1,839
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
7,645
5,250
1,245
1,150
46
Description - McDowell (Feb. 15, 1862) Price's army is camped at Crane Creek, 15 miles north of the town of McDowell. Unknown to Price, a Federal flanking force of 2 divisions under General Sigel has already reached the town and has cut off Price's retreat. The Confederates need to hold retake McDowell and heights around it to safeguard a retreat over the creek during the night.
Analysis - Converging forces and running battles occur here in a fun swirl of men and horses around McDowell. Give it a quick play just for fun! Watch out as the Federals arrive on the map behind the Rebel army as they chase them towards McDowell.
19 Turns
cc c2u1 - Battle of McDowell
My Rating: Good
10,864
7,725
1,839
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
7,645
5,250
1,245
1,150
46
Description - McDowell (Feb. 15, 1862) Price's army has withdrawn from Crane Creek to McDowell to protect his rear, with General Curtis and 2 divisions in direct pursuit. Meanwhile, the Federal flanking force of another 2 divisions under General Sigel arrives northwest of McDowell to cut off Price's retreat. The Confederates need to hold onto McDowell and heights around it to safeguard a retreat over the creek during the night.
Analysis - This setup in an interesting one with a Union army of superior quality moving against an undertrained Confederate army on the defensive.
41 Turns
pg c1u2 - Prairie Grove Campaign
My Rating: Good
12,789
4,743
6,746
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
12,541
9,163
2,553
825
33
Description - Prairie Grove - In this variant, Blunt sees how exposed his command is at Cane Hill and during the night of the 6th withdraws north to Rhea's Mill, leaving a cavalry screen behind. Meanwhile, on the 7th, Hindman continues on to Prairie Grove.
Analysis - In this setup the Federals begin in the north nearer the objectives the Confederates are aiming for. This will create a much more "meeting engagement" style battle as the two sides collide in the north.
41 Turns
pgcvchvch c1u2 - Prairie Grove Campaign
My Rating: Excellent
12,689
4,743
6,746
1,200
48
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
15,342
9,644
4,723
975
39
Description - Prairie Grove - In this variant, Blunt sees how exposed his command is at Cane Hill and during the night of the 6th withdraws north to Rhea's Mill, leaving a cavalry screen behind. Meanwhile, on the 7th, Hindman continues on to Prairie Grove. (In this scenario, 2 Indian brigades from Tahlequah join the Confederates).
Analysis - This is the best of the Prairie Grove scenarios. Both sides start far enough apart to really maneuver before the battle begins. The addition of the extra Indian CSA Brigades is a nice bonus on the western side of the map for the Rebels, but the troops are very poor in quality.
103 Turns
pr c2u1 - The Battle of Pea Ridge
My Rating: Excellent
10,960
7,725
1,935
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
16,250
10,335
4,315
1,600
64
Description - Pea Ridge - Van Dorn splits his army with the Missourians and the Indians making a frontal attack while McCulloch's Arkansas army makes a flanking attack up the Bentonville Detour. Curtis occupies the Little Sugar Creek bluffs with his whole force.
Analysis - Pea Ridge's historical scenarios are not much fun. This one is. Play this scenario! A great setup and a ton of options for both players to pursue. At 103 turns it is a long one which will affect both sides if they wear out too quickly. This is a marathon scenario.
103 Turns
pr c2u3 - The Battle of Pea Ridge
My Rating: Excellent
10,960
7,725
1,935
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
16,250
10,335
4,315
1,600
64
Description - Pea Ridge - Curtis pulls back his entire army to the Elkhorn Tavern area to defend his rear. Van Dorn attacks down the Bentonville Detour with half his army. The Missourians and Pike's Indians will attack the bluffs frontally.
Analysis - In this setup the Federals have fallen back to Elkhorn Tavern and consolidated their men. This really helps the Yanks and also delays "real" action for a good chunk of time. Fewer strategic decision for the Yanks and a bit tougher for the Rebs. Maybe a fair trade-off for the added Confederate forces in the game. Another good Pea Ridge option.
103 Turns
pr c3u3 - The Battle of Pea Ridge
My Rating: Excellent
10,960
7,725
1,935
1,300
52
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
17,770
11,355
4,815
1,600
64
Description - Pea Ridge - Curtis pulls back his entire army to the Elkhorn Tavern area to defend his rear. This is unknown to Van Dorn, who assaults the Little Sugar Creek bluffs frontally with his entire army.
Analysis - Very nice setup. The Federals are concentrated back at Elkhorn Tavern while the Rebs are concentrated coming from the west. Good options for both players. The Rebs do NOT begin the game with 600 fatigue which is great! A fun scenario for Pea Ridge.
23 Turns
wc c1u1 - The Battle of Wilson's Creek
My Rating: Good
5,858
5,123
335
400
16
TOTAL
Infantrymen
Cavalrymen
Artillerymen
Cannons
10,045
5,851
3,819
375
15
Description - Battle of Wilson's Creek (variant) In this variant, Lyon scraps Sigel's flanking march. He takes a more conservative approach and attacks from the north with his entire force.
Analysis - In this consolidated setup the battle is much more conventional. A good smaller scenario.
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