Missouri’s Civil War from Bleeding Kansas to Reconstruction. Explore five in-depth series revealing the state’s most chaotic era.
Table of Contents
Missouri’s Civil War – Why This Story Still Matters
From the first sparks of Bleeding Kansas to the long shadows of Reconstruction, Missouri endured one of the most complex and violent experiences of the American Civil War. Here, divided families, guerrilla fighters, and rival governments turned neighbor against neighbor — leaving scars that still shape the state today.
This site’s goal is simple: to explore that history fully, fairly, and fearlessly — across five major series that together tell the whole story.
What You’ll Find in This Ongoing Series
Each week, new articles will dive into one phase of Missouri’s Civil War. You’ll find:
- Key events, battles, and personalities explained clearly.
- Direct connections between the national war and Missouri’s local struggles.
- Travel tie-ins and resources for visiting historic sites today.
The Five Phases of Missouri’s Civil War
Series 1 – The Fires Before the War: Bleeding Kansas (1854–1860)
Before Fort Sumter, Missouri was already at war. Border ruffians, Free-Staters, and the politics of slavery tore communities apart along the Missouri-Kansas line.
Series 2 – From Secession to Pea Ridge (1860–1862)
The fighting became official. From St. Louis to Wilson’s Creek, the Union and the Missouri State Guard clashed for control of the state — ending with Union victory at Pea Ridge.
Series 3 – The Guerrilla Years (1862–1864)
With armies moving elsewhere, Missouri descended into shadow war. Raids, reprisals, and scorched-earth policies consumed the countryside.
Series 4 – Price’s Raid and Missouri’s Last Confederate Gamble (1864–1865)
Sterling Price’s final invasion was bold but doomed. From Pilot Knob to Westport, his campaign marked the Confederacy’s last major push in the West.
Series 5 – Aftermath and Memory (1865–1900)
The guns fell silent, but the divisions endured. Reconstruction, outlaws, politics, and memorials shaped how Missourians remembered — and sometimes forgot — their war.
How to Follow the Journey
- New article every Thursday.
- Watch companion videos on TikTok:
www.tiktok.com/@thesojournerscomp - Visit the site’s Resource Page for travel guides, maps, and museum links.
Start Here
The story begins with Series 1 – The Fires Before the War: Bleeding Kansas.
👉 Read the first article → Coming Next Thursday (10/23/2025)
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 Missouri Civil War (Overview) Articles
Missouri Civil War: Why This Forgotten Story Matters
Civil War In Missouri: 6 Questions You Should Ask
Bleeding Kansas: Missouri’s Volatile Border War (1854–61)
Missouri – 3 Reasons It Was the Civil War’s Western Key
General Lyon Takes Missouri: 1861’s Breaking Point
Guerrilla Warfare in Missouri: Chaos Explodes (1861–65)
The Cloak and Dagger Side of Missouri’s Civil War
Missouri Women at War: Discover The Unsung Heroes
General Order No. 11 – Missouri’s Burnt District
Price’s Raid (1864): Missouri’s Last Daring Gamble
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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The Sojourner’s Compass Main Website
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