There will be several events and exhibits around the area to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

“The Civil War in Missouri Exhibit”

At Jefferson Barracks, in the Old Ordnance Room, an exhibit titled “The Civil War in Missouri Exhibit” will provide “insight into happenings in Missouri, where the third most battles and skirmishes of any state took place. It will also feature panels on battles in the West including: Belmont, Island No. 10, Camp Jackson, Wilson’s Creek and others. Uniforms, equipment and other artifacts provide an idea of what the life of the common soldier was like in camp, on the field and during battle.” The exhibit runs through November 13, 2011, open Wednesday through Sunday, Noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Jefferson Barracks Park Civil War Encampments and Reenactments

To commemorate the Civil War events of May 10, 1861, in St. Louis referred to in the Civil War article in the Spring 2011 Newsletter, Jefferson Barracks Park will have Civil War encampments and reenactments from April 29 through May 1, Friday to Sunday. The reenactments are titled “‘Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point,’ actions at Lindell Grove and in the streets of St Louis, May 10, 1861...(Events) will be recreated on the grounds of Jefferson Barracks... County Park. On Sunday (May 1), an early war battle involving all branches of the military...” In addition to the reenactment, there will be four musical groups, talks, and dance.

The U.S. Grant Driving Trail

The U.S. Grant Driving Trail will be initiated soon with eight signs placed at sites throughout the South County area. The second phase of the project will make driving maps available. Among the sites are Father Dickson Cemetery, Ulysses G. Grant National Historic Site and St. Andrews Church in Lemay. Some of the organizations participating are the Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation, the Jefferson Barracks Community Council, Missouri’s Civil War Heritage Foundation and St. Louis County Parks. Funding for the project is from the St. Louis County Port Authority and the Gertrude and William A. Bernoudy Foundation. The trail will be part of a statewide project.