Interpreting and preserving Missouri Civil War history has been the mission of countless Civil War reenactors and historic groups such as the Sons of the Union Veterans whose mantra has been “least we not forgot.” Ensuring our Missouri Civil War history will not be forgotten is the mission of the Missouri History Museum’s latest exhibition, “The Civil War in Missouri.”

The History Museum’s exhibition is a highlight of the events presented throughout Missouri to commemorate the Civil War’s sesquicentennial. The exhibition traces the beginnings of the conflict in Missouri with the Missouri Compromise; the contentious solution Congress enacted that lead to unprecedented discord within the state and the country.

According to Everett Dietle, Missouri History Museum’s Director of Communications, the exhibit addresses issues which our entire nation wrestled with, while focusing on topics that are distinctively Missourian. It also examines the bloodiest conflict on our nation’s soil through the eyes of ordinary Missourians who lived through the war—soldiers, civilians, escaped slaves, medical personnel, abolitionists and Confederate sympathizers.

With both the Union and the Confederate governments claiming power over Missouri, some historians estimate Missouri sent more men to war, in proportion to its population than any other state. The Missouri Civil War exhibition reflects this and the hardships of civilians and the men who served in both blue and gray through its display of weaponry, documents, art, uniforms and other Civil War treasures that total nearly 300 artifacts and 175 images. Many of these items are in the permanent collections of the Missouri History Museum, which itself was established in the wake of the Civil War in August, 1866.

Artifact highlights include the broken sword of Lt. Col. John Knapp who was captured at Camp Jackson. Knapp broke his presentation-grade officers sword instead of surrendering it to Federal troops. On display, an original 150-year-old hardtack, a long-lasting flour and water biscuit, which was a food staple for Civil War soldier. Also included are a Confederate Cipher Reader used to decipher/encipher top-secret coded messages and the Freedom Bond for Harriet Scott, wife of Dred Scott.

In conjunction with The Civil War in Missouri exhibition, the Missouri History Museum will offer Civil War-related theatrical and musical presentations, special events, workshops, book signings and presentations. Visit mohistory.org for a complete list of events and programs.

Admission to “The Civil War in Missouri,” is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/students/military/groups and $6 for children (ages 6-12). Children five years old and younger are free. Residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County can enjoy free admission on Tuesdays from 2 pm to 8 pm.

After viewing the History Museum’s exhibit, continue your journey of learning about the Civil War in Missouri by visiting two of St Louis’ premiere history sites,The Old Courthouse and Jefferson Barracks. The Old Courthouse was the site of the Dred Scott case, which is part of the National Parks, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Jefferson Barracks, founded in 1826, is rich in Civil War history and is where U.S. Grant and Robert E Lee both served before the war. Jefferson Barracks is located in south St Louis County and is administered by St Louis County Parks & Recreation.