Civil War marker, panel on display at courthouse steps

Downtown Cape Girardeau has another resource for learning history, thanks to a new Civil War informational plaque.

The addition was unveiled at the base of the Common Pleas Courthouse steps on Jan. 27, the anniversary of the date Ulysses S. Grant received orders to leave Cairo, Illinois, and go to southwestern Tennessee.

The plaque was purchased with funds provided by the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cape Girardeau businessman Earl Norman. Organizers hope it helps future generations learn more about local Civil War history. It also represents Cape Girardeau's new placement on the U.S. Grant Trail. The trail begins in Hannibal, Missouri. Maps of the trail are located at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Dr. Frank Nickell, representative of the foundation and former professor at Southeast Missouri State University, was one of the speakers. He spoke about Cape Girardeau's significance and how Grant became a distinctive figure in the Union command as result of what began in Cape Girardeau.

It's important that current and future generations know and learn from history. The Civil War marker and panel are good addition that we hope many take time to see.