Will Missouri Government Support our Veterans?

Ironically, while politicians in Missouri may like to issue grandiose claims about supporting our veterans, an opportunity to honor their sacrifices is currently stagnating in the Missouri House of Representatives. The bill, also known as HB 53, is designed for the historic preservation of veterans sites, memorials, markers and more. While this is of course the responsibility of all people in honoring the sacrifices and memory of those who have went before (and not just the government), we also understand that many veterans monuments and sites of great significance to the people of Missouri may be under threat of removal or neglect from local governmental entities. We’ve read recently where New Orleans is planning to remove at least three monuments commemorating the sacrifices of veterans and their families who lived in this community. And very recently, St. Louis bureaucrats are looking for ways to remove a veterans monument away from public view (as seen here). Also see the Cape Girardeau veterans monument vandalized in 2011, and the Forest Park Monument in St. Louis vandalized in 2015.

We’ve discussed before on this blog (as written here) about the preservation of veterans monuments and historical sites of all eras, because of the great historical and educational value that’s associated with them. Sure, we may not all agree with some of the politics surrounding wars of whatever era (even more recent ones), but we still recognize the sacrifices of men and women who were involved in defending their community. For instance, could we imagine a day perhaps 100 years from now when a community is neglecting, defacing or tearing down a monument, cemetery or historical site associated with veterans who sacrificed in the Vietnam or Gulf War, simply because someone didn’t like it? Yet this is what’s happening today with monuments and historical sites remembering local veterans of all races (english, south american, african american, irish, german, native american, etc.) from 150 years ago or more.

In asking people in every Missouri community, and the politicians who claim to serve us to remember our veterans, we also hope that organizations like the American Legion or Daughters of the American Revolution will additionally take a stand for ALL our Missouri veterans and their families who served during every conflict. It would be unthinkable for these organizations to remain silent if World War II, Vietnam veterans, or Revolutionary era landmarks and figures were given unsavory labels and their monuments or symbols forced from public eye. Yet they continue to largely remain silent as Confederate veterans and their families from America’s unCivil War (for example) are attacked, marginalized and monuments and historical sites are “cleansed” from the public. So much for reconciliation, huh?

In the end, should everything ultimately be banned? Or should we simply learn how to work together in our communities, and peacefully get along with others – even if they may believe or value something different?

For the text of the bill, please click HB53. To look up your Missouri legislator (for contact purposes), please click Missouri Representatives. And while HB53 is only currently in the House, you may want to also contact your Senator (here) and let them know that you hope they’ll support future efforts at honoring the sacrifices our veterans and their families have made.

Platte County History Illustrated on Sale Now!

Platte County’s first illustrated history book is now available for purchase as a hard copy or digital download!

The illustrator of the book (and who was also mentioned in this Kansas City Star article), says that, “My goal with this book is for people everywhere to be drawn into the powerful story of Platte County history through the colorful, dramatic ‘graphic novel’ format. This history, which is a snap-shot of the struggles that a typical community faced during this dramatic time period, is very accessible and extremely applicable to people throughout Missouri and beyond. The written portions of the book detailing the historical aspects come directly from Mr. Paxton’s 1897 annals, and highlight many of the tragic, unusual, humorous, or profound moments of those people who have come before – including a fascinating glimpse into the impact of the War Between the States on a local, state and national level. I think people today will find a lot to encourage them as they look at what Platte County people went through to build the community we have today.” (Check out the below video – please make sure you have your sound on!)

 

It should also be pointed out that residents throughout Missouri and elsewhere will also find this easy-to-read book to not only be an important resource on the time period – but a sometimes surprising (and shocking) look into the hardships of pioneer families, the building of western civilization, the War with Mexico, the Gold Rush, Border War and Senator Atchison, early newspapers, dramatic situations surrounding the Civil War, Jesse James, grasshopper invasions, Native Americans, the arrival of the phone, the temperance movement, and more!  As the book utilizes the writings of a man (Mr. Paxton) who lived through the events described, and wrote about these experiences – sometimes having witnessed the events from a first-hand perspective – the combination of his writing with illustrations depicting the dramatic scenes described truly make for a memorable reading experience where history almost comes to life! Some have even stated that after reading this book, they’ve come away with an exciting new perspective on this important and influential period of history. (Note: As Paxton lived in Platte County, the book details many experiences that occurred here. But there are also many writings of interest involving Jackson County, Clay County, Clinton County and Buchanan County – as well as the entire state of Missouri and nation as a whole)

To view sample images from the book, click here and here. The 70 page book is full color, recommended for ages 13+, and is sized at 8.5 by 10. If you’d like to learn more about the book, please click Platte County History Illustrated!

• To order a hard copy for $25, visit this link: Platte County History Illustrated
• To order an electronic copy for $4.99, visit our History Illustrated amazon store link!

Fascinating Views regarding the American Civil War

We thought it might be fun to share a selection of several of our exclusive resources, some of which have been submitted from a number of local historians who enjoy writing about the impact the Civil War had on a local, state and national level. Not only do we hope you find these works an engaging and insightful experience, but also useful in helping educate in light of many misunderstandings and attacks leveraged against our Missouri veterans and the many families who sacrificed a great deal in our communities during this difficult era. You won’t find these thought-provoking perspectives anywhere else!

A perspective on the American “Civil War” – This unique 7 page essay (with works cited from numerous resources) from a Missouri historian discusses how the the typical perceptions of the American Civil War may not be entirely accurate. Includes thoughts on Britain’s peaceful emancipation, the deplorable loss of human rights during the war, reconstruction, African American perceptions regarding the war (W.E. DuBois) and the legacy this tragic conflict has even on our communities today. Plenty to chew on here!

Missouri Martial Law – Did you know that Missouri was under Martial Law from 1861 – 1865? This PDF resource incorporates many historic writings on the subject. It includes details on property confiscation and other hardships experienced by people under martial law, officials who were ousted for being “disloyal”, pastors forced from churches, some shocking letters from prominent leaders, a sample of a loyalty oath and much more. (4 page pdf)

James Williams:  Civil War memories – Being a Union man during the Civil War, Mr. Williams recounting of his war-related experiences in Platte County are of particular interest – and provide the modern reader with a first-hand perspective of this difficult time in our local history. Also discussed are experiences of life near his home, and brief mentions of travels to the mills of Platte City and Shoal Creek. (3 page pdf)

The Lyon Campaign in Missouri (first-hand Civil War observations) – Another Union Man, Eugene Fitch Ware provides more fascinating first-hand observations and insights into the Civil War in Iowa and Missouri. He discusses the divisive conditions before the war, a broken constitution, less than favorable thoughts on Lincoln, what he believed the war was really about, thoughts on General Lyon and more. Not what you’d expect! (3 page pdf)

Remember, you can also find these and many other resources on Camden Point History under our Educational Resources tab. Check it out! We’ve got articles on Camden Point’s Military Academy of 1892, Camden Point’s rich educational history (including the roots of present day William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri) and much more!

Missourians standing up for our Veterans

We came across this picture recently of a flag rally held August 16, 2015 at the Missouri State Capitol. It was said that around 250 people came out for this event in support of symbols and flags associated with Missouri veterans (and their families) who fought in defense of their homes during the unCivil War. Sponsored by the Missouri Sons of Confederate Veterans, people of all ages attended the event with a variety of flags – including the Missouri Battle Flag, the Confederate Battle Flag, the First National, the U.S. Federal Flag, and more. As many are likely aware, Confederate flags and symbols have become targets of forced removal recently here in Missouri – both in Platte County and far beyond.  Note: According to The Sons of Confederate Veterans website, this veterans organization helps preserve the history and legacy of the Confederate Veteran so that future generations can understand the motives that animated the Southern Cause.

For further reading, please see the following: The Veteran and Platte County Flags

The Veteran and Platte County Confederate Flags

How quickly we forget the lessons of history! With the Kansas City Star’s recent hit-piece against the Confederate Battle Flag hanging along side the Federal Flag at the Dirty Shame Saloon (located on the privately held Platte County Fair Grounds), we’re concerned that bullying and coercion may once again be rearing it’s ugly head. And it’s not just here in Platte County, but everywhere across the state (and beyond). From the Missouri Battle Flag being removed at Lexington, to discussion of relocating Confederate monuments in St. Louis and Boone County Missouri, one group seems intent upon forcing their will upon those of another.

And while we want to be sensitive to the concerns some may have about the Confederate Battle Flag, or Confederate symbols – we need to realize that many different people groups who currently live together in America could have serious issue with other popular symbols or beliefs. Take the American Indians, who were forced from their lands and in some cases pushed to near extinction. What would they say about popular flags, symbols, monuments or beliefs many Americans hold dear? Or the Japanese American who was placed involuntarily into prison camps on American soil during World War II? Or the approximately 65,000 Americans who were involuntarily sterilized during the 1920’s and 30’s? Some may even say that the millions of unborn, whose futures continue to be wiped from existence, would certainly have much to say – if only they could be allowed a voice. Flags and other symbols have different meanings to different people. Should everything ultimately be banned? Or should we simply learn how to work together in our communities, and peacefully get along with others – even if they may believe or value something different?

The fact is that most families in Platte County during the “Civil War” did not fight to oppress others, but to protect their home and community from invasion and aggression. As Missouri was placed under martial law early in the war, many Platte County people were disenfranchised, had their property confiscated, sent to prison without trial and often executed on the spot. As such, we’re a bit disappointed that the American Legion or Daughters of the American Revolution haven’t stood up for these American veterans and their families who served during this horrific conflict. It would be unthinkable for these organizations to advocate or remain silent if World War II, Vietnam veterans, or Revolutionary era landmarks and figures were given unsavory labels and their monuments or symbols forced from public eye. Yet they do remain silent as veterans and their families from America’s unCivil War are attacked, marginalized and “cleansed” from the public.

It took a long time for our communities to heal after the War Between the States. However, Platte County did slowly mend the wounds caused by this catastrophic event which some believe may have claimed the lives of around 1 million Americans (including women and children). They learned the terrible cost that comes with the use of force, coercion and bullying. Maybe it’s time we do the same?

If you’d like to know more about the history of Platte County during the “Civil War”, you might enjoy obtaining a copy of Platte County History Illustrated. It’s based on the first-hand observations of William Paxton, a resident of Platte City who witnessed Platte City burned twice by the Union Army – as well as interactions with General David Hunter of Ft. Leavenworth, a man who threatened to lay waste to the county, and “damned” the constitution when it was suggested he had no constitutional authority to do so.

For further reading, please see:

• Platte County History Illustrated (Civil War in Platte County)
• Missouri Martial Law

(Note: The Kansas City Star article referenced was published July 22, 2015: “Confederate Flag issue rises again at Platte County Fair”, by Matt Campbell.)

Day-trip to Keytesville, Home of Sterling Price

We recently took a day-trip to Keytesville, Missouri in order to learn more about General Sterling Price, the 11th governor of Missouri who is also known for his involvement in the War with Mexico, and Lincoln’s War afterwards. Sterling Price once lived in Keytesville, running a hotel and mercantile business. He also built a home known as Val Verde on the Bowling Green prairie about 1/2 mile east of the Missouri River with his wife, Martha (Head), whom he had married in 1832 – 1833.

Located about two hours east of Kansas City, and just a tad north of the Missouri River, Keytesville these days is a pretty small town. However, it’s also the county seat of Chariton County – although you’d be hard pressed to realize it, as the courthouse is a modern structure that looks more like a fancy motel or church. But it’s a beautiful drive to get there, with many scenic smaller towns to pass through.

Although Keytesville is quiet these days, at one time, like many towns in rural America, it was once the epicenter for local business and social life. You can still see remnants of that time, with a few larger historic homes evident (including the Hill Homestead of 1832) and a crumbling downtown that speaks of earlier prosperity. However, there’s also people here who obviously care for their history too, as there’s a small park with a beautiful historic church predating the War Between the States, and a reconstructed log cabin. Nearby is a carefully manicured town park with well preserved monument to Sterling Price (erected in the early 1900s), which is quite a memorable tribute to behold. And we also visited the Sterling Price museum, where there were some artifacts owned by the family, as well as many other historical items pertaining to Keytesville history.

I was hoping to learn a little more insight into who Sterling Price was on this trip, and I wasn’t disappointed. As it was said his wife burned his personal papers to avoid trouble after the war, not a lot is known about him personally, other than his involvement in politics and war strategies. While I still didn’t really find out anything new, it was a great experience to see some of the personal items from the Price family, as well as being able to walk the streets and see the landscapes that he and his family would have known. The museum has a few items that are said to have belonged to Sterling Price, including a sugar bowl, cottage set and a ox yoke his family used when moving from Virginia. Most personal items were sold by his wife to pay for transport to a Confederate colony in Mexico that later failed, which is quite a story in itself! There’s also a great 1905 banner for a Sons of Confederate Veterans Convention in Richmond. Of course his Val Verde home is long gone, but the horse track he constructed can be seen from the air. Like many individuals involved in the horrific tragedy of America’s un-Civil War, Sterling Price was a man who sacrificed everything in order to stand up for his community. I believe he’s a true Missouri hero.

Note: Interestingly, there are some small ties linking Camden Point history with that of Keytesville. For example, Confederate Lieutenant Colonel John C. Calhoun “Coon” Thornton (who was involved in the Camden Point Battle) was ordered in 1863 by General Price to conduct a recruiting mission in northwest Missouri. And John Thrailkell, who was also said to have been at the Camden Point fight, would later go on to burn the Keytesville courthouse in September of 1864. Read more here at Action at Camden Point.

For further reading on  General Sterling Price, I’d recommend Albert Castel’s “General Sterling Price and the War in the West”, and Andrew Rolle’s “The Lost Cause: The Confederate Exodus to Mexico”.

For more information, please see: Keytesville, Missouri Tourism. Note that there is a “Sterling Price Days” that happens each year in Keytesville!

A look at Camden Point’s 150th Memorial Service

A hand-made replica of the Camden Point Battle Flag flies once again in Camden Point at the 150th Memorial Service at Pleasant Grove Cemetery (June 28, 2014). The flag, which was presented to Thornton’s men by local ladies on July 13, 1864, was captured in the battle that day, and now resides in a Colorado museum.  The ceremony also included the recognition of a sign informing visitors as to the history of the cemetery. The sign was placed several weeks ago in memory of Billie Everett and Loretta Larimer by the efforts of the folks in the Camden Point Baptist Church.

During the ceremony, local men from the Clay County Reenactors Association (Elliot’s Scouts and 3rd Missouri) fired a gun salute over the fields surrounding Camden Point. A cannon salute was also given by members of the Thomas J. Key Camp (SCV). The battle took place very near here when Thornton’s force of Confederates were having a picnic and were surprised by a much larger force of Federal soldiers. After the Confederate retreat, much of Camden Point was burned, and two prominent citizens, Maj. McCluer and Dr. Thomas, are recorded as being executed at their homes. The Federals would later move to Platte City and burn the town a second time during the war (the town, including the courthouse, was burned in 1861).

Reenactors and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans offered up a salute to the six Confederate soldiers, Lieutenant Alamarine Hardin and Privates Richard Alvis (Olvis), Jasper Clements, Robert McCormick, Jesse Myles, and Andrew Smith who were killed in the battle and are now buried at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. A marker, dedicated in 1871 by Platte County Confederate Veterans, is the second or third oldest Confederate Memorial west of the Mississippi. Also as part of the event, James L. Speicher delivered a speech on “Why We Gather at Camden Point”. More details can be read in the PDF program available in a link below.

Media Coverage!

Thanks to the Platte County Citizen’s July 2, 2014 edition for a great write-up (complete with some very nice photos) on the Camden Point 150th Memorial Service. Some of this article can be read online here. We also thank the Platte County Landmark for running a photo in the July 2, 2014 edition of their paper, and KQ2 for their television coverage of the event (which can be viewed here)

Special Thanks!

We additionally wish to thank the reenactors who came out (Elliot’s Scouts and 3rd Missouri), and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Thomas J. Key Camp and Hughes Camp). The gun salute with cannon, along with the replica Camden Point battle flag really helped to make this day special. We also thank the many local people who attended, including members of the Camden Point Baptist Church, Platte County Historical Society, Platte County 175th committee, and many more.

• Program from the Event: If you would like to view the program for the event, please click here (available as a PDF)

Camden Point Remembrance Event on Television!

We’re happy to share that a great story and television segment featuring the Camden Point Remembrance this past Saturday (June 28, 2014) was recently posted on stjoechannel.com. Our sincere thanks to Mr. Ronelle Williams (the reporter at KQ2) for his coverage of this event. Watch the video of the television report here.

Williams writes that, “You may have heard the phrase, you don’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.  In Camden Point on Saturday this phrase was brought to life at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery as a group of Civil War reenactors brought the battle back to life.  The Battle at Camden Point was 150 years ago but respects are still being paid today.”

Read more at: Camden Point Community Comes Together at stjoechannel.com.

Photo Credit: Jim Thornton, SCV Thomas J. Key Camp #1920

June 28: Camden Point’s Sesquicentennial!

Join us in Camden Point on June 28 for a memorable day commemorating the
sesquicentennial of the battle of Camden Point. Learn how the Civil War in
Missouri impacted this community and surrounding Platte County, and share in
the stirring stories of bravery and sacrifice. At 1:00, a Remembrance ceremony
featuring the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a color guard and gun salute, a replica
of the Camden Point Battle flag, speeches and more, will take place at the historic
Camden Point Pleasant Grove Cemetery – home to one of the oldest Confederate
Memorials west of the Mississippi River. Attendees will also have the opportunity
to tour the cemetery and discover the final resting place of many civil war
veterans. Following the ceremony, be sure to mingle with the reenactors at an
authentic civil war era campsite, complete with educational displays, historic
flags, and commemorative souvenirs, which will be open for visitors at the
Camden Point park. Later in the afternoon, folks in military period dress will
march in the Freedom Festival Parade. Other special events planned for the day
includes a cannon present in the parade and on hand for a possible cannon firing
demonstration, period music, and a Recruitment Dramatization portraying “Coon”
Thornton’s attempt to persuade locals to join the cause! Don’t miss out on this fun
and special day for all ages. Admission: Free

1:00 – Remembrance Ceremony at Pleasant Grove Cemetery
2:30 – 4:30 Educational Displays, Civil War Campsites, Cannon and more!
5:00 – Parade with Reenactors Marching
6:00 until sunset – Educational Displays, Civil War Music, Recruitment Dramatization, and Civil War Campsites. Also don’t miss the Freedom Festival Fireworks and other entertainment that will be available later in the evening!

• View a map here
• View a flyer for the event here

Also see:

• Camden Point 2014 Sesquicentennial (Updated!)
• Pleasant Grove Cemetery
• Camden Point’s Confederate Flag
• James Williams:  Civil War memories
• The Lyon Campaign in Missouri (first-hand Civil War observations)

Battle of Camden Point 150th Remembrance

The Battle of Camden Point 150th Remembrance Committee is planning on having a sesquicentennial event on June 28 of this year (around 1 pm Saturday). Some of the events they are also looking at doing – all of which the public would be invited to attend:

• A remembrance ceremony at the Pleasant Grove cemetery (where the grave markers for the soldiers are)
• Confederate and Federal Reenactors marching in the Camden Point Freedom Festival Parade (as they have done in prior years)
• A period recruitment event (featuring Coon Thornton being presented with the Protect Missouri Flag made by the ladies of Camden Point)
• The impact of the event on the local community
• Artifacts on display which have been collected from the battleground
• Live period music
• Open campsites for touring
• Plenty of learning opportunities for all!

The logo created for the event (as seen above) features historically accurate flags. The “Protect Missouri” flag is the actual design of the flag which the ladies of Camden Point gave to Coon Thornton, and is currently housed somewhere in a Colorado museum.

If anyone in the area might know of any of the local churches or lodges who would be interested in helping, please let us know. As with the Reenactment that happened back in 87 or 88, this is sure to be a nice event to bring folks together, and help educate as to our community history.

Also see:

• Camden Point 2014 Sesquicentennial
• Pleasant Grove Cemetery
• Camden Point’s Confederate Flag
• James Williams:  Civil War memories
• The Lyon Campaign in Missouri (first-hand Civil War observations)