October battle planned along the river...in 2011 - Cuba, MO

Cuba, Missouri–where Art meets History

Don’t let the battle begin without you

These uniforms are displayed at the Wildlife Unlimited on Hwy. 19 in Cuba, Missouri.

The Civil War began during the days of April 12-14 in 1861 when rebel troops fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. A bloodly Civil War began that divided families, states, and the country. This year, we commemorate the Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) of the Civil War with special events throughout the U.S. Some of those events take place close to home. This year’s activities are a good way to introduce young people to this period of American History in a way that involves re-enactments and field trips to historical sites. In Cuba, Viva Cuba’s Civil War murals on Buchanan Street commemorate the battle of Pilot Knob at Fort Davidson that began in September of 1864 and involved a 66 mile chase that lasted for 39 hours and involved Cuba and neighboring areas of the Huzzah River and Leasburg.

Cuba Mo Civil War Murals on Buchanan St.

Viva Cuba’s Civil War murals span the street to tell the tale of the Battle of Pilot Knob at Fort Davidson that spread to our area.

In 2011, from September 30, 2011 and on October 1 & October 2, a Civil War re-enactment in Leasburg, Missouri will showcase the events of these days, with a Civil War Battle (hosted by the Missouri 2nd Artillery C.S). Local organizers of the event are Helen Wright and Carolyn Stichnote. The event will include Civil War relics, arts & period crafts, food, drinks, & entertainment. The location for events is the Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort in Leasburg, Missouri. Below is a overview of the Battle of Leasburg Re-enactment events.

Battle of Leasburg Reenactment Schedule A Weekend of Fun and Education for the Entire Family Check the website for updates closer to the event. Friday, September 30 Historical Day” For children of the Crawford County School Districts/Vendor Set-Up after 3:00 pm on Friday Saturday, October 1 Camp will open to the public at 9:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. Battle Re-enactment starts at 2:00 pm. Ladies Tea & Fashion Show starts at 3:30 pm. Candlelight Tour begins at 7:00 pm. Sunday, October 2 Camp will open to the public at 9:00 am and close at 5:00 pm. Church Service 10:00 am. Battle Re-enactment starts at 1:00 pm.

It is a few months until this event, but those months can be used to prepare yourself and your children to get the most of the October event. Here are some suggestions. 1. Visit Cuba’s Civil War murals and read the text panels that discuss events of this time. 2. Visit the Crawford County History Museum on Smith Street in Cuba, Missouri. See the Civil War related displays. Both Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Stichnote are workers at the musuem. 3. Watch this short video about the events that started at Pilot Knob, Missouri, which is south of Cuba in the Arcadia Valley.

4. Give yourself a real treat and visit the Fort Davidson site in Pilot Knob. It is set in the beautiful Arcadia Valley and has several tourists attractions, antique stores, and great places to eat. It can be a day trip from Cuba. For an account of a day trip that I took to the area a few years ago, read this article.

Fort Davidson Historical Site Pilot Knob MO

Many exhibits tell the story of the battle at the Fort Davidson Historical Site.

5. Read some of the information about the Battle of Pilot Knob. Battle of Pilot Knob as told by Dr. Seymour Carpenter an eye-witness account by a participant by Carolyn M. (Carptenter) Bartels Two Trails Publishing Independence Missouri 1995 Sixty Six Miles in Thirty-Nine Hours The Retreat from Fort Davidson, Pilot Knob to the Battle of Leasburg September 28 Thru October 1, 1864by Gary L. Scheel 2002

A Historic Marker in Leasburg, Missouri states the following:

Fought Sept. 29 and 30, 1864. The night of September 27, 1864 Union troops under Gen. Ewing forced to evacuate Ft. Davidson at Pilot Knob or be annihilated, escaped through enemy lines. Gen. Sterling Price sent Gen. Marmaduke and Gen. Shelby in pursuit. Union Forces covered 66 miles in 39 hours, fought 6 rear guard skirmishes, arrived here exhausted and hungry. They fortified themselves along the railroad, burned barns and haystacks to prevent attack under cover of darkness. The next day, they rejected a demand to surrender. The Confederates decided against further battle, turned and rejoined Price at Union, Mo. Oct. 1 Federals withdrew, regrouping in Rolla.

But whatever you do, mark the Leasburg event for October 1 & 2 on your calendar. Don’t let the battle begin without you.