MARKING HISTORY

The Missouri Historical Society could find no information markers and plaques designating historically significant sites in Cape Girardeau County.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the historical society and Missouri Highway Commission erected some 121 highway markers across Missouri. But as highways were expanded over the years, many of the markers were moved. State records indicated one of these markers was erected in 1953 on the old Wedekind Park property on Highway 34 between Cape Girardeau County Park and the Missouri Veterans Home. The marker was moved when the highway was improved at that location to improve visibility.

The state marker recently wound up in the possession of the county parks department. It will be re-erected in the county in the near future. The Cape Girardeau County Commission will decide the exact location.

Many will remember the impressive marker, standing more than six feet tall with a blue enamel finish. The text reads:

"Founded as an Indian trading post, 1793, by French Canadian Louis Lorimier. Probably named for Girardot, a trader at Cape Rock.

"In 1795 Lorimier became commandant of Cape Girardeau district, most American of the 5 Spanish districts, later one of Missouri's first 5 counties. Germans from the states also settled here. Shawnee and Delaware Indians were given Spanish land grants nearby to act as a buffer against the Osages.

"At time of American occupation, 1804, the district was third in population of the 5 districts, yet had no white village. Lorimier laid out town of Cape Girardeau, 1806, to be the seat of government. Delay in honoring his Spanish land grant halted growth.

"The county seat was then moved 10 miles to Jackson, 1814. Established there were a U.S. Land office, 1818; a newspaper, Missouri Herald, 1819; an academy, 1820; and State's first long distance telephone line, 1877. Near Jackson were organized a German reformed church, 1803; Bethel Baptist and McKendree Methodist churches, 1806. McKendree Methodist Chapel, 1819, is oldest Protestant building in Missouri."

On the back of the sign, reads the following text:

"Cape Girardeau grew rapidly after the Lorimier land grant was confirmed, 1836. Here were established St. Vincent's College, 1843; Washington Female Seminary, 1849; and Southeast Missouri State College, 1873. The college has a notable museum.

"Union forces occupied the town, 1861-1863, and built defense forts, A, B, C, D. In 1863 the Federals under McNeil repulsed a Confederate attack under command of Marmaduke. Among well marked historic sites in town is Ford D.

"In Lorimier Cemetery are graves of the town founder Louis Lorimier; U.S. Senator Alexander Buckner; and notable builder of railroads and Missouri historian Louis Houck.

"The town benefits from a large cement plant; Federal River Improvement program; and Little River Drainage project. The bridge across the Mississippi was dedicated, 1928.

"Lovely Ten Mile Garden connects county seat Jackson with Cape Girardeau. El Camino Real or King's Highway, 1789, served Cape Girardeau in early days. Erected by State Historical Society of Missouri and State Highway Commission, 1953."

Obviously, some things have changed since the marker was put up in 1953. The Ten Mile Garden, for example, is only a memory.

The return of the large state historical marker to public display in the near future will also be welcomed. It provides a history lesson for both visitors and old-timers alike.