Cape and the Civil War

Talk about a cooperative effort that has good results. Anyone who saw Sunday's broadcast on WDKA-TV UPN-49 of the documentary "The Civil War of Cape Girardeau" probably received a good history lesson as well as learning some interesting facts about Cape Girardeau.

The documentary's information is largely the result of research done by Morley Swingle, Cape Girardeau County's prosecuting attorney, when he was writing his 2002 novel, "The Gold of Cape Girardeau." The same year his novel was published, Swingle contacted Dr. Jim Dufek at Southeast Missouri State University's communications department to discuss the possibility of making a documentary.

With the help of students, other faculty members, members of the community and Civil War re-enactors, a 52-minute film was distilled from the massive amount of historical information regarding Cape Girardeau's involvement in the Civil War.

The city is rich in history, and the Civil War period is no exception. But the events leading up to the war and their impact on the city are just as interesting as the battles and strategic maneuvering that occupied the generals on both sides of the conflict.

"The Civil War of Cape Girardeau" is a polished product that will inform and educate for a long time. Hats off to everyone involved in making the documentary a reality.

The documentary will be re-broadcast on the city's cable-access Channel 5 in the near future. Watch for broadcast dates, and be sure to watch this informative film. You'll be impressed -- and you'll probably learn a thing or two.