Our Opinion: Test your local knowledge of the Civil War

April 12, 2011 at 12:05 p.m. | Updated April 12, 2011 at 12:05 p.m.

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.

Jefferson City's role in the war is outlined in the Civil War Passport, available at the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, 100 E. High St. Participants who complete the passport by visiting area sites and completing its instructions will be eligible for a prize.

As a warm-up exercise, we invite our readers to test their knowledge of Jefferson City's role in the Civil War.

Questions:

  1. When the Civil War began in April 1861, did Missouri's leadership favor the Union or secession?
  2. During the war, the Capitol basement was used for what purpose?
  3. What local cemetery traces its origins to a burial site for Civil War dead?
  4. Although an estimated 15,000 troops were stationed in Jefferson City during the war, it is not known as a battle site. What event is considered the city's nearest brush with battle action?
  5. Lincoln University was founded by black Civil War soldiers and their white officers to provide a school in Missouri for freed slaves. What was its original name and what year was it founded?
  6. What caused Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson and other state leaders to flee Jefferson City?
  7. After the federal troops took control of the state Capitol, where was the next major Civil War battle fought in Missouri?
  8. The Dulle House at 800 St. Mary's Blvd. served as headquarters for what Union officer?

Answers:

  1. Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson openly sided with secession from the Union.
  2. It served as a "dungeon" for prisoners.
  3. National Cemetery.
  4. "Price's Raid" in October 1864, when Confederate Gen. (and former Missouri governor, 1853-57) Sterling Price led an army to southern Jefferson City, then turned away from a direct assault and headed west. There were some skirmishes, and Price's forces fired mortar shells (some landing in areas that now are along Moreau Drive and Green Berry Road).
  5. Lincoln Institute was founded in 1866, by soldiers and officers from the 62nd and 65th Missouri Colored Infantry units.
  6. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon and his federal troops came up the Missouri River by boat, landing at Jefferson City and taking control of the Capitol without firing a shot.
  7. Boonville.
  8. Gen. John Fremont, who commanded more than 10,000 federal troops to secure the capital city for the Union.

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