The area was ground zero for Confederate recruiting at the time, primarily by Col. John A. Poindexter and Col. Joseph C. Porter, resulting in a forceful Federal response. Fighting occurred at Vassar Hill on July 19; Florida on July 22; Santa Fe on July 24; Brown's Spring on July 27; Moore's Mill on July 28; and Newark on July 31. The grand finale was at Kirksville Aug. 6-9, where Porters command was defeated and dispersed. The Federals then shifted their attentions to Poindexter, resulting in a series of minor skirmishes over the next few days and finally culminating in the dispersal of Poindexter's force at Compton's Ferry and Yellow Creek in mid-August. Remnants of both commands remained in the area over the next couple of months. Several skirmishes occurred along Auxvasse Creek during that time frame, including one on October 16 that involved the 10th Missouri State Militia Cavalry (aka 3rd MSM Cavalry-New).

The best source to consult regarding what was happening in the area at the time would be "With Porter in North Missouri," by Joseph A. Mudd.