East of it the country is quite broken, but on the south and west there are stretches of rolling prairie, bounded by rough wood-land.

Considered in a military light, Springfield was the key to that portion of the State.
A large number of public roads center at that point.

Their direction is such that the possession of the town by either army would control any near position of an adversary of equal or inferior strength.
General Lyon was prompt in seeing its value, and determined to make an early movement for its occupation.

When he started from St.Louis for Booneville, he ordered General Sweeney to march from Rolla to Springfield as speedily as possible.
General Sweeney moved with three regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery, and reached Springfield in five days from the time of starting; the distance being a hundred and twenty miles.

He then divided his forces, sending Colonel Sigel to Carthage, nearly fifty miles further toward the west, in the hope of cutting off the Rebel retreat in that direction.