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Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site facts for kids

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Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Pershing Boyhood Home 2.jpg
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site is located in Missouri
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Location in Missouri
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site is located in the United States
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Location in the United States
Location Laclede, Linn County, Missouri, United States
Area 5.71 acres (2.31 ha)
Established 1952
Governing body Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Website Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
Gen. Pershing boyhood home.jpg
General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
Built 1857
Architectural style Gothic Revival
NRHP reference No. 69000111
Significant dates
Added to NRHP May 21, 1969
Designated NHL May 11, 1976

The Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site is a special place in Laclede, Missouri. It helps us remember a very important person, General John J. Pershing. He was a famous leader in the United States Army.

General Pershing led American soldiers during World War I. He reached the highest rank possible at that time, General of the Armies. He was born near Laclede. He lived in this home from when he was six years old until he grew up.

This historic site keeps his childhood home safe. It also preserves the one-room Prairie Mound School. General Pershing taught there before he went to West Point. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

The Pershing Family Home

A Glimpse into the Past

The Pershing family bought this house in 1866. It was built around 1857. The house has a unique Gothic Revival style. This style was popular for homes back then.

John Pershing lived here through his teenage years. After high school, he taught at Prairie Mound School. He then went to college in Kirksville, Missouri. After college, he taught at Prairie Mound School again. Soon after, he was accepted into West Point.

Saving History for Everyone

The state of Missouri bought the Pershing home in 1952. This happened because the owner planned to tear it down. People wanted to save this important piece of history.

On September 13, 1960, the home was officially dedicated. This event honored General Pershing. It also honored all the soldiers who served with him.

What You Can See and Do

Exploring the Historic Home

When you visit the home, you can see how people lived long ago. The house has furniture from the mid-1800s. There is also a small museum. It tells the story of General Pershing's life.

Visiting the Prairie Mound School

Just a short walk away is the restored Prairie Mound School. This one-room schoolhouse also has exhibits. You can learn about what school was like. You can also learn about General Pershing's time as a teacher. Tours are available to help you learn even more.

The Wall of Honor and Statue

The garden at the site is very special. It has a Wall of Honor. This wall lists the names of many war veterans. There is also a life-size statue of General Pershing. A sculptor named Carl Mose created it in the 1950s.

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