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Historic battlefield in the U.S. state of Missouri
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
is an historic battlefield and
state park
located in
Clark County, Missouri
, along the banks of the
Des Moines River
. It is the site of the
Battle of Athens
, fought in 1861 during the
American Civil War
. The site serves as an open-air museum interpreting the battle and its aftermath.
[4]
It is one of the northernmost places in the state.
History
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The once-thriving river village of
Athens, Missouri
, had up to fifty businesses and a large mill in antebellum times.
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In July 1861, it was occupied by pro-
Union
forces of the Missouri
Home Guard
. Wanting to seize the strategically important village for the
Confederacy
, elements of the pro-Southern
Missouri State Guard
attacked on August 5, 1861. Despite being outnumbered more than three-to-one, the Home Guard emerged victorious. A small action when compared to other battles, with casualties light, it nonetheless holds the distinction of being the northernmost
Civil War
battle fought west of the
Mississippi River
.
Following the battle, many bitter feelings remained among residents. This along with the coming of railroads and less reliance on river shipping sealed the fate of Athens. By the turn of the 20th century Athens was a veritable ghost town. In 1962, remaining area residents worked together to create the Battle of Athens Park, which was donated to the state of Missouri in 1975.
[5]
[6]
Activities and amenities
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In addition to interpretive programs and free tours of the Thome-Benning House, the site offers facilities for camping and fishing plus three picnicking areas and two hiking trails.
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References
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External links
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Origins
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Combatants
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Campaigns
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Battles
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Involvement
(by city or town)
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Leaders
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Aftermath
| Monuments and
memorials
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Cemeteries
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Related topics
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