Civil War history depicted on floodwall

The Civil War was a major part of American history and it left its own mark on Cape Girardeau, which is why it makes sense that the Civil War is the subject of two floodwall murals and the blue images of generals Ulysses Grant and Benjamin Prentiss.

In 1861, Grant, who later became head of the Union Army, took command of all federal armies in Southeast Missouri. Prentiss, who was in Jackson at the time, was to take over Grant's position in Ironton, Mo.

According to recorded stories, Prentiss was ordered to remain in Jackson while Grant traveled there from Cape Girardeau to relieve Prentiss of his post. Prentiss, however, ignored orders and traveled to Cape Girardeau where an argument about rank broke out between the two generals near the courthouse steps.

Next to the figures of Grant and Prentiss is a mural that depicts a Civil War-era view from Fort A, one of Cape Girardeau's four forts. Fort A was located at the end of what is now Bellevue Street. The fort was built around a grain mill, and this mural shows a sentry at the top of the mill surveying the river.

The mural on the right depicts a moment from the Battle of Cape Girardeau, which took place April 26, 1863.

Confederate Gen. John Marmaduke advanced on Cape Girardeau as part of his plan to strike Gen. John McNeil and his force of about 2,000 men. On April 25, Marmaduke received word that McNeil was near Cape Girardeau, and troops were sent to the city.

A mainly artillery battle raged from morning until late afternoon when Marmaduke ordered his troops to retreat, and the Union secured a victory.

During the fighting, a cannonball reportedly passed through the Lacey house and set it on fire. According to reports, the Lacey's slave Ike attempted to put out the fire while the family was in hiding.

A marker at Broadway and Caruthers reminds visitors of the battle.

-- Kathryn Alfisi