Civil War Rifles

Missouri is a state steeped with culture and history. There are a wide variety of historical sites available for you to visit throughout the year, which can let you walk in the footsteps of those who lived long ago. From Civil War battle sites to Western gunslinger’s old homes, there is a historic location for the whole family to enjoy.

Civil War Battle Sites in Missouri

Throughout the years of the Civil War there were over 1,200 battles and minor skirmishes recorded in this border state. This made Missouri the third most battle ridden state during the war. Now, there are a wide variety of historic battle sites that can be toured and enjoyed throughout the state.

•    Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

The largest battle of the Civil War west of the Mississippi River occurred at Wilson’s Creek in 1861. Periodic reenactments can be seen here, as well as a year-round museum and observation of the battlefield. A video presentation allows you to gain insight as to how the battle occurred and exactly where it took place.

•    Fort Davidson State Historic Site

The Fort Davidson historic site was the location of the battle of Pilot Knob in 1864. This historic battle between the Union and Confederacy is depicted at this location through reenactments, and a memorial for the Union soldiers that has been established here. There is a visitor center and museum available, and the outline of the fort can still be seen.

Jesse James Historic Attractions

There are many historic attractions dedicated to the notorious Jesse James throughout the state of Missouri. This Wild West gunslinger was the source of much controversy during his life, and after his death the controversy continues. The various museums and sites dedicated to his memory revolve both around the things that are known of his life, and of the things that are unknown about his death.

•    The James Farm and Museum

In 1978 the farm and home where Jesse James lived as a child, was purchased by Clay County in Missouri. The home was restored and made into a museum where several Jesse James artifacts such as his last pair of boots, his gun belt, and the feather duster that he was holding when he was killed can be observed. Each year over 18,000 people visit the museum and farm to see the location where Jesse James once lived and was buried until he was interned in 1902 and reburied with his wife in the cemetery.

•    Jesse James Last Home

About 35 miles away from the James Farm and Museum, Jesse James’ last home can be found. Nearly 25,000 people flock here each year to see where Robert Ford shot and killed the notorious Jesse James. Displaying items from his life and death, this unique museum has such objects as his coffin handles, a small pin he was wearing when he died, and the bullet removed from his lung.

Other Historic Missouri Sites

Other important historic Missouri sites include notable birthplaces such as those of Harry S. Truman a former president of the United States in Grandview, and the childhood home of the great American author Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri.

The Ulysses S. Grant farm in St. Louis is another popular attraction for Civil War enthusiasts, and the past home of theme park icon Walt Disney is visited by thousands each year. Bonniebrook, located just north of Branson MO, is the home of the popular Kewpie doll developed by Rose O’Neil in 1909. There is now a popular Kewpie doll Museum dedicated to the dolls and O’Neil who died in 1944.

The history and culture of Missouri has been diverse throughout the years. Those who are looking for a glimpse of life during Civil War times or as a Wild West villain will be sure to enjoy one of the many historic locations throughout the state.

Civil War reenactments can be fun and educational experiences for the whole family. These unique tributes started earlier than you might think, beginning even before the Civil War itself was over. Now, reenactments can be seen all over the United States throughout the year as annual and special events. Branson, MO has a long history of Civil War reenactments which are a popular Branson attraction. Read on to find information on the history of reenactments, the history of the Civil War in Missouri, and locations where these reenactments can be seen within the state.

When and Why Reenactments Began

Civil War reenactments began as early as the late years of the war itself. Veterans from the war would gather together to recreate past battles as a way to pay tribute to those who had fallen. One of the largest early reenactments was held in 1913 on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. At this reenactment, over 45,000 veterans from both the Union and Confederacy met to recreate the historic battle.

Reenactments had a huge boost in popularity and became regular events beginning in the 1960’s, and thanks to the 125th anniversary reenactment near Manassas, many annual reenactment events have been planned each year since the 1980’s. Today, reenactments are held on special veteran holidays and various other times throughout the year as educational learning tools and tributes to those who sacrificed their lives.

History of the Civil War in Missouri

Missouri played the part of a border state in the American Civil War, sending aid and troops to both sides of the war. This led to, not only them fighting in both sides of the war, but in having their own civil war of sorts, between neighbors due to varying allegiances.

The biggest battle west of the Mississippi River in the war was the Battle of Westport, which occurred in 1864 in Kansas City, MO. At the end of the war there were a recorded 1,200 minor and moderate battles and fights throughout Missouri, which makes it one of the top three states as far as the number of skirmishes.

Civil War Reenactments within Missouri

Now, there are many Civil War reenactments throughout the state of Missouri each year for you to enjoy. The Missouri Civil War Reenactor’s Association organizes many reenactment events each year, most of which are free to the Public. One of the largest events is the Stand of Colors which is a re-creation of the Missouri and Kansas border campaigns in 1864, held in Kansas City as a two day event.

For a unique twist on a reenactment scenario, head on over to Branson, MO where the increasingly popular Baldknobbers Jamboree Show pits the North against the South in a both hilarious and classic display of patriotism and respect for this nation. Although not a true reenactment scenario, the facts and emotions shared are the same.

Civil War reenactments have a long history as living tributes to those who gave their lives. From the late 1800’s to present, people from across the nation have enjoyed watching these events of living history. Missouri played its part in this historical war with over 1,200 battles, and reenactments can be enjoyed by all both in traditional and non-traditional ways each year.