Aimed at preserving years of rich history, the Missouri Civil War Museum is dedicated to honoring the many men and women who gave their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, The Missouri Civil War Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization open all year round, except for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
History of the Missouri Civil War Museum
The Missouri Civil War Museum is located in the historic Jefferson Barracks, originally established in 1826, making it the oldest operational military installation west of the Mississippi River. Its primary purpose was to support and oversee the westward expansion and to help early settlers. For example, when altercations were started with hostile Indian groups in the area, the troops stationed at Jefferson Barracks were called in to offer assistance and help keep the peace among the white settlers and natives. These troops also offered assistance when the roles were changed when the Indians needed protection from the white settlers, whether the fighting was caused by land, hunting rights, or another similar reason.
Over the years, the Jefferson Barracks was used more and more frequently during the Seminole War, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, or many of the Indian expeditions. For example, during the Civil War, troops from the Jefferson Barracks played a large role in the capturing of the Missouri State Volunteer Militia in 1861, an operation that was led by Capt. Nathaniel Lyon.
Over its many years of use, the Jefferson Barracks garnered a long history that the Missouri Civil War Museum now protects and preserves.
Visit
The Missouri Civil War Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Normal admission is $7 while senior admission is $6, student and veteran admission is $5, and children under five are admitted for free.
Stretching 22,000 square feet, the Missouri Civil War Museum exhibits feature thousands and thousands of artifacts and films that each tell a different story from the time of the American Civil War. From guerrillas and jayhawkers to life on the home front, the Museum’s many galleries will bring visitors on an educational journey they will never forget. Galleries and exhibits include the Pre-War Gallery, Colonel John Emerson Main Gallery, Hollywood, and the Civil War Exhibit, Jefferson Barracks Through the Years Exhibit, Theater, Civil War on the Western Border Exhibit, The Medal of Honor Exhibit, and Grand Army of the Republic & United Confederate Veterans Gallery.
Group visits and school field trips may also be planned. For a group of more than ten people, admission is $5 per person. The self-guided tour usually takes close to two hours to complete and requires that guests make a reservation at least a week in advance.
School groups of 25 or more may also make field trip arrangements to the Missouri Civil War Museum. Recommended for grades 5th and up, a half-day and full-day visits are available. Both trips include a museum tour and require a $25.00 non-refundable down payment to secure the date and time.
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