Battle of Lexington State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of LexingtonState Historic Site |
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Anderson House, a Union hospital, was attacked by Confederates during the battle
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| Location | Lexington, Missouri |
| Area | 94.57 acres (38.27 ha) |
| Established | 1958 |
| Original use | Battlefield |
| Visitors | 28,165 (in 2017) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Official name: Anderson House and Lexington Battlefield | |
| Designated | June 4, 1969 |
| Reference no. | 69000110 |
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The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is a special place in Lexington, Missouri. It helps us remember an important event from the American Civil War. This site protects the land where a big battle happened in 1861.
During this battle, soldiers from the Confederate side, led by Major-General Sterling Price, fought against Federal troops. The Federal soldiers were led by Colonel James A. Mulligan. Today, you can visit the site to walk a battlefield trail, have a picnic, and even tour the historic Oliver Anderson mansion.
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Discover the Battle of Lexington Site
The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is owned by the state of Missouri. It was created in 1958. The main goal of the site is to keep the battlefield safe and teach people about its history. It's a place where you can learn about a key moment in the American Civil War.
What Happened at Lexington?
The Battle of Lexington took place in September 1861. It was an early battle in the American Civil War. Confederate forces, led by General Sterling Price, moved into Missouri. They wanted to take control of the town of Lexington.
A Battle for Control
Federal troops, led by Colonel James A. Mulligan, were defending Lexington. They set up defenses around the town. The Confederates surrounded the Federal soldiers. The fighting lasted for several days.
The Anderson House
A key part of the battle involved the Anderson House. This large house was used as a hospital by the Federal troops. Confederate soldiers attacked the house during the battle. It shows how intense the fighting was.
The Outcome of the Battle
After several days of fighting, the Federal troops ran out of supplies. They were forced to surrender to the Confederates. This was a significant victory for the Confederates in Missouri. However, the Union forces later regained control of the state.
Visiting the Historic Site
Today, the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site is a great place to explore history. It offers several ways to learn about the past.
Explore the Battlefield Trail
You can walk a short trail that goes through the battlefield. Along the trail, signs explain what happened in different areas. It helps you imagine the events of 1861.
Tour the Anderson House
The historic Oliver Anderson mansion is open for tours. This house played a big role in the battle. Guides can tell you stories about the soldiers and civilians who were there.
Picnics and Learning
The site also has areas for picnicking. It's a peaceful place to spend time outdoors. You can learn about history while enjoying nature. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources manages the site.
