Drop-In History: Civil War in Missouri

Missouri’s Civil War story was fought in fields, homes, hospitals, and along the Kansas border. On Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore that history at the final Drop-In History event of the year at the Alexander Majors House Museum.

The Third Kansas Artillery reenactors will be on site with their cannon, sharing the work of Civil War artillery crews and firing the cannon throughout the day. Director Sarah Bader-King will examine the realities of Civil War medicine. Author Paul Thomas will discuss jayhawkers and the raids, retaliation, and divided loyalties that defined the Missouri-Kansas border.

Visitors can also explore temporary exhibits on Confederate currency and Civil War medicine, take part in Civil War-themed activities, and enjoy story time with the Amazing Hazel. This free event is open to all, and visitors are welcome to arrive anytime and stay as long as they like.

Drop-In History is funded by the Missouri Humanities Council.

Scheduled events: 

Civil War Trivia

Test your Civil War knowledge with four rounds of trivia, 10 questions each. Play on your own or bring a team of up to four.

12:30 p.m.

Civil War Medicine with Sarah Bader-King 

The Civil War was a time of dangerous and ineffective medical treatments, but also great medical innovation. Explore the realities of Civil War medicine through the story of battlefield medicine during the Battle of Westport. Audience members will also be able to view authentic artifacts and reproduction medical tools during the presentation.

Catch at 11:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.

Jayhawkers with Paul Thomas 

Both before and during the American Civil War, ragtag groups of Kansas Militants patrolled the Kansas-Missouri border. Known as “Jayhawkers” and later “Red Legs,” they raided anyone they believed sympathetic to secession. For many in the state, these irregular warriors were heroes fighting for a Free Kansas and preservation of the Union; for their victims, these men were little more than opportunistic thieves. Regardless, the men who operated under this moniker left their mark on history in a variety of ways. In this talk, Paul A. Thomas seeks to answer the question of who these men were.

Catch at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.