Discover Missouri Civil War history—battles, guerrilla warfare, and untold stories that shaped the nation. Explore why Missouri’s role still matters.
Most people know the names Gettysburg, Antietam, and Appomattox. They’ve heard about Lee and Grant, Sherman’s March, and Lincoln’s speeches. But when it comes to the Missouri Civil War story, there’s usually silence. At best, Missouri gets a footnote or a single chapter in most history books.
That silence hides one of the most violent, complex, and fascinating Civil War stories in the entire country. Missouri wasn’t just caught in the crossfire—it was the crossfire. Over 1,200 documented engagements happened here, making Missouri second only to Virginia in Civil War activity.
So why don’t more people know about it? That’s the question that sparked this project—and the mission I’m laying out today.
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Missouri: The Forgotten Front
Missouri was a border state, and in 1861, its loyalty was anything but certain. While officially part of the Union, its people were bitterly divided. Neighbors turned on neighbors. Families split apart. Communities erupted into violence.
Here, the war was more than blue versus gray—it was conventional armies, state guards, and guerrilla fighters colliding in a swirl of chaos. Missouri’s guerrilla war produced some of the war’s most notorious figures: William Quantrill, “Bloody Bill” Anderson, and eventually Frank and Jesse James.
It wasn’t just about battles, either. Missouri’s geography mattered. Whoever controlled the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers controlled supply lines, troop movement, and the gateway to the West. Railroads, riverboats, and border crossings made Missouri a prize both sides desperately wanted.
Why I’m Starting This Project
The truth is, Missouri Civil War history deserves more attention than it usually gets. Our story shaped the course of the entire conflict in the West, yet it’s often overlooked in favor of the big battles back east.
I want to change that. My mission is simple:
- To share Missouri’s Civil War history in ways that are engaging, accessible, and accurate.
- To highlight not just the battles, but the people, places, and decisions that made Missouri’s war unique.
- To connect past and present by showing how you can still visit and experience these historic sites today.
I believe history shouldn’t stay locked in books or archives—it should be lived, walked, and understood in the places where it happened.
How I’ll Share the Story
I’m building an ecosystem around Missouri Civil War history so anyone can learn, no matter how much time they have:
- 🎥 TikTok Videos — short, fast-paced history lessons that highlight Missouri’s untold Civil War stories.
- ✍️ This Blog — deeper dives with timelines, maps, and analysis you won’t find on social media.
- 🌐 Civil War Resource Hub — a dedicated section of the site with:
- Missouri Civil War timeline
- Profiles of major figures on both sides
- A glossary of Civil War terms and soldier slang
- Links to museums, battlefields, and official sites
- 📚 Books & Travel Guides — battlefield companions and Missouri Civil War travel guides that help you explore history firsthand.
Every platform works together. The quick-hit TikTok shorts draw you in, this blog gives you depth, and my guides take you directly to the places where history was made.
Why Travel Is Part of the Mission
This project isn’t just about reading history. It’s about walking it.
Missouri still has some of the most underrated Civil War sites in the country. From Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to the stone breastworks at Lexington, from the quiet earthworks at Pilot Knob to the city streets of Westport, these landscapes tell the story better than words ever could.
That’s why I include travel resources in everything I create. Visiting a battlefield connects you to the past in a way that no book ever fully can. It grounds history in reality.
Whether you’re a lifelong Civil War enthusiast or just curious about the history around you, these places are worth the trip.
The Invitation
This project is more than just my voice—it’s an open door for anyone who wants to understand Missouri’s role in the Civil War. My hope is that this blog, the TikTok channel, and the resource hub will become a living archive of Missouri’s war story—one that grows over time and sparks new curiosity.
If you’re here, you’re part of that mission.
👉 Follow me on TikTok for Civil War shorts.
👉 Bookmark this site for maps, deep dives, and resources.
👉 And if you’re ready to explore Missouri’s Civil War in person, check out the battlefield travel guides and companion books I’ve created.
Together, we can give Missouri’s Civil War story the place it deserves in American memory.
Because Missouri didn’t just experience the Civil War—it embodied it.
Plan Your Next Missouri Civil War Adventure!
Ready to hit the road?
Plan your Missouri Civil War adventure with trusted travel tips, tools, and resources. Visit our Resource Page (Missouri Civil War Resources) to find everything you need for hotels, flights, car rentals, gear, and more.
Check Out These Books Published By The Sojourner’s Compass
“Battles & Beyond” – Companion Book Series
From river crossings to ridge fights, Missouri’s Civil War story was one of chaos, courage, and contested loyalties. This travel-ready series delivers concise battlefield guides packed with historical context, walking tips, firsthand quotes, and itinerary tie-ins—perfect for travelers, educators, and armchair historians alike.
Led by Jonathon Midgley, author of The Last Hand series, each volume brings forgotten fights into clear focus—making it easy to explore the war’s impact, one battlefield at a time.
Available On Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Getaway in Missouri: Smart Travel Strategies for Affordable Adventures
Explore Missouri with confidence, strategy, and style—without breaking the bank. This guide delivers smart travel tools, scenic itineraries, and insider tips on lodging, dining, and hidden gems across the state.
Whether you’re road-tripping solo or planning a family escape, this eBook is your map to affordable adventure and stress-free travel.
Available On Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Stay Connected
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