Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site |
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 Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Location in Missouri
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Laclede, Linn, 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 |
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Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
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General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
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| 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 in Laclede, Missouri, is a special place. It is looked after by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. This site protects the childhood home of General John Joseph "Jack" Pershing. He was a very important leader in World War I. He led the American Expeditionary Forces and became a "General of the Armies." This was the highest rank a U.S. Army officer could get at that time.
Pershing was born on a farm near Laclede. But he lived in this home from when he was six years old until he grew up. The historic site also keeps safe the one-room Prairie Mound School. Pershing taught there for a year before he went to the West Point Military Academy. His home has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
A Historic Home's Story
The Pershing family bought this home in 1866. It was built around 1857 in a style called Gothic Revival. This style often has pointed arches and fancy decorations.
After finishing high school, Pershing stayed in the home. He worked as a teacher at the nearby Prairie Mound School. Later, he went to the First District Normal School in Kirksville, Missouri. This school helped people become teachers. After graduating, he came back to Laclede. He taught at Prairie Mound School again. Then, he was accepted into West Point, a famous military academy.
The state of Missouri bought the Pershing home in 1952. They learned that the person who owned it then was planning to tear it down. On September 13, 1960, the home was officially dedicated. This was part of a national celebration for Pershing's 100th birthday. It honored his memory and all the soldiers who served with him.
What You Can See and Do
The home is filled with furniture from the mid-to-late 1800s. This shows what life was like when Pershing lived there. There is also a small museum. It tells the story of Pershing's life and achievements.
Just a short walk away is the restored Prairie Mound School. It also has displays that explain its history. You can take tours to learn more about both buildings. The garden at the site has a "Wall of Honor." This wall has the names of war veterans. There is also a life-size statue of Pershing. A sculptor named Carl Mose created it in the 1950s.
Images for kids
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The historic home of General John J. Pershing.
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Another view of the General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home.
