Civil War on Sunday - June 1861 Missouri activity

Civil War on Sunday - June 1861 Missouri activity

The following comes from the "Ozarks Civil War Sesquicentennial Weekly"
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Subject: Civil War encampment observes 150th anniversary or troops' arrival in Springfield

At the 150th Anniversary Encampment, visitors will find an authentic Civil War camp of infantry and artillery, and can observe camp life and watch soldiers drill as their officers attempt to turn raw recruits into soldiers, the release said. Information on the 150th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek August 12-14.

“On June 11, 1861, U. S. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon declared war on the state of Missouri. He immediately launched a campaign to drive the pro-secessionist Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson and his Missouri State Guard from the vital Missouri River Valley. At the same time he dispatched troops under Gen. Thomas William Sweeney toward Springfield to cut off the escape of the Missouri State Guard into Arkansas,” the release explained. “On June 24, 1861, Col. Franz Sigel’s German-speaking, St. Louis-enlisted Union troops arrived in Springfield after a hot, wearying march from the railhead at Rolla. Many of his troops had marched through their shoes and wore uniforms that had been reduced to rags by the exertions of the march. This federal force was the first army to occupy Springfield during the Civil War. It would not be the last. Springfield would change hands many times during the war. Sigel’s troops went into camp around Springfield and began rounding up Southern sympathizers. The arrival of these troops encouraged Unionists, discouraged secessionists, and brought home to everyone the reality that war had come to Springfield.”

Established in 1950, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation is one of the oldest private sector support groups associated with the National Park Service. It is a non-profit corporation with IRS 501(c) (3) status.

Since the foundation’s initial purchase of 37 acres on Bloody Hill, site of the heaviest fighting in the battle, the foundation has worked to preserve and protect the park, the release said. “The goal of the foundation is to enhance awareness and appreciation of this national treasure — a haven for historians and those who enjoy the outdoors.”


Families are Forever!  ;-)