Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

August 02, 2012

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and, in particular, the anniversary of the First Battle of Independence fought on the Independence Square on August 11, 1862, the following events are being held throughout Independence from now through the end of the year. Join the community in remembrance of the historic battles fought and the lives that were forever affected:            

Saturday, August 11

A Civil War living history reenactment will take place at the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum, located at 217 N. Main from 10:00 a.m. to noon. When the Jail event concludes, there will be a series of book signings at the 1859 Jail concerning the Civil War era.

At 1:00 p.m., a Civil War Era Fashion Show will be presented at the Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific. The models will demonstrate how people on August 11, 1862 would have dressed. Following the fashion show, a book presentation and short roundtable discussion by local historians about the First Battle of Independence and William Quantrill will follow with an opportunity for questions. The cost is $10/adults and $6/children. The tickets may be purchased at the 1859 Jail or at  www.visitindependence.com.

Covered wagon tours of the battlefield will be offered by Pioneer Trails Adventures. Tours will retrace the route taken by troops during the battle. Riders will see houses still scarred from bullets shot during the battle, drive by the McCoy House where fleeing soldiers sought refuge, and visit the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum, where the Union Provost Marshal was stationed at that time. These 1 hour tours begin at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Battlefield tours are $30/adult and $15/children. For details and reservations, go to www.pioneertrailsadventures.com or call 816.254.2466.

Thursday, August 16

Join author and lecturer Tom Rafiner at 7:00 p.m. at the Midwest Genealogy Center located at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence for a discussion on the climate of the Missouri-Kansas border (1854-1861) before the Civil War officially began in South Carolina. This conflict is considered by many to be at the root of the Civil War. This event is for adults and registration is required. There is no charge for this event but space is limited.

Friday, September 28

If intrigue is your game, join Arnold Schofield at 10:00 a.m. for a lecture entitled Scouts, Spies, and Detectives. He will discuss high priced and rogue "Union" espionage in Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War. This event will be held at the Midwest Genealogy Center located at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence. The presentation is for adults and registration is required. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited.

Tuesday, October 2

Americans and their thoughts on death were brought into focus during the Civil War. Lucy Buck of Virginia observed, "We shall never any of us be the same as we have been." In a presentation called Mourning During the Civil War, Barbara Hughes portrays Amanda Pine Stout, who is in mourning for her brother who died in the war. The PowerPoint presentation will share the 19th century view of mourning and the impact of the Civil War. This presentation begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at the Midwest Genealogy Center, located at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence. The talk is for adults and registration is required. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited.

Saturday, December 8

Finally, wrap up 2012 with a talk on Santa during the Civil War. It was Christmas 1862 when Thomas Nast was asked by his editor to illustrate the poem "A Visit with St. Nicholas." America was embroiled in armed conflict in the Civil War, the darkest hour the Nation had ever known. Nast illustrated Santa visiting the Union troops on the cover of Harper's Weekly January 3rd, 1863. Jim "Two Crows" Wallen, dresses as the Nast Santa, using actual letters and diaries from soldiers, wives, parents, and children. This presentation begins at 10 a.m. at the Midwest Genealogy Center, located at 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road in Independence. It is recommended for children ages 12 and up. Registration is required. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited.

Wendy S.
Midwest Genealogy Center