Missouri had a prominent role in the Civil War, and the Southeast region was one of the most pivotal areas of the state. From Civil War battle sites to historic places, get a taste of history at these Civil War battle sites, monuments and museums.
Morning
A. Iron County History Museum
The Iron County History Museum is housed in the restored 1941 Ironton-Arcadia Depot. The collection includes the Union battle flag from the Civil War battle of Pilot Knob.
B. Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site
The Civil War Battle of Pilot Knob was fought here when Confederate troops attacked the earthen fort Sept. 26-27, 1864. More than 1,000 men were killed or wounded in the fierce fighting. The battle ended with the defeat of the Confederate forces. This Civil War Battlefield is one of the most famous in the Midwest.
C. Old Abe War Eagle Trail and Monument
This trail starts at the Historic Madison County Courthouse in Fredericktown and follows the 36 Civil War battle sites of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry (1861-1864) through four states. The Eighth Wisconsin was known as the "Eagle Regiment" because a live eagle, nicknamed "Old Abe," was carried through all its Civil War campaigns for the Union. This historic monument stands for the soldiers lost in battles along the trail.
Afternoon
A. Cape Girardeau Common Pleas Courthouse
The Common Pleas Courthouse was completed in 1854. It sits high atop the hill "dungeon" was used to jail southern sympathizers and perhaps Confederate soldiers. On the west side of the courthouse stand three memorials, including one that depicts a Union soldier. Though it isn’t a Civil War battlefield, the Cape Girardeau Common Plea Courthouse is an important Missouri monument to the Civil War.
B. Frenchman’s Spring Historical Marker
The spring was an ideal place for military units to camp and recruit. In July 1861, 2,000 soldiers from 15 Southeast Missouri counties met to organize as the First Division, Missouri State Guard- the pro-Confederate state militia, known in history as the "Swamp Fox Brigade."
C. Bloomfield Civil War Cemetery
This cemetery holds 150 markers of soldiers who died during the Civil War. Each marker includes a brief account of where, when and how that soldier died.
D. New Madrid Historical Museum
Exhibits reflect the culture of this ever-changing river town, from the Mississippian Indian period through the great earthquakes of 1811 and 1812; from New Madrid's role in the Civil War through the early 20th century. Learn more about nearby Civil War battle sites, historic places in the region and the people who made the rich history of this river town possible.