efferson Barracks and Benton Barracks (no longer in existence) contributed extensive training and served as a major Hospital complex during the Civil War. Jefferson Barracks, established in October 23, 1826, on the edge of a vast expanse of wilderness was built to replace Fort Bellefontaine near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers. It was selected for its strategic position, nearby abundant supply of Limestone and trees for construction and it close proximity to a thriving City on the Mississippi River. The cantonment was named to honor Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson Barracks served as a gathering point for troops and supplies bound for the Mexican War, Civil War, and various conflicts up to World War II. Among some of the Civil War Generals stationed at this post were Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, William T. Sherman and Philip Sheridan, Henry Dodge, Albert S. Johnson, Joseph E. Johnson, Winfield S. Hancock, Henry Halleck, Nathaniel Boone, James Longstreet, Jeb Stuart, Don Carlos Buell and many others. These men grew to know each other and later to fight each other in this terrible conflict.From its beginning Jefferson Barracks was the largest Military reservation covering over 2,000 acres, stretching two miles along the west bank of the Mississippi River.
Also credit for this picture post goes to William C. Winter and Andrew Harley whos book, “The Civil War in St. Louis: A Guided Tour” gave me much guidance and enjoyment and is a irreplaceable publication for you folks planning a trip to Civil War St. Louis. |
