150th Civil War Anniversary Event

On the weekend of July 9-10 the 3rd Annual Civil War Camp in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri will re-enact the 150th Anniversary (August 14, 1861) removal of all monies from the Merchant's Bank by the Union Army. By order of Major-General John C. Fremont, Major John McDonald led by 250 8th Missouri infantrymen, 13 artillerymen and one cannon arrived by riverboat from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to remove $58,313 from the Merchant's Bank in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri on the banks of the Mississippi River. This action was taken to avoid raiding Confederates led by Col. Jeff Thompson taking money from area banks to finance the pro-southern cause.

The Union forces from Cape Girardeau, Missouri were guided into the small rural river town by Lt. Col. J. Felix St. James, longtime resident of Sainte Genevieve and in charge of the 78th Enlisted Missouri Militia stationed in the township. The reenactment of this event will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 1:30 pm at the location of the original bank building (corner of Main Street & Merchant). Following the reenactment, a dedication of a Civil War plaque commemorating this historic event will be conducted by the Lt. Col. J. Felix St. James Camp #326-Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Auxiliary of Sainte Genevieve.

A two-day living history Civil War encampment will be set up at the Moses Austin Park located at Main Street & Gabouri Street (see googlemaps.com and watch for signs). Both days will include several activities and educational elements related to the Civil War with information about local and state involvement in the war. For further information please contact Gary Scheel, Camp Event Coordinator at: 573/883-9397 (H), 314/623-2062 (cell), or email at somewhere1@sbcglobal.net.

Schedule

Saturday, July 9

9:00 a.m. Camp Opens

9:30 a.m. Infantry Drills

10:00 a.m. Cavalry Drill Demonstration

10:30 a.m. Artillery Demonstration

11:00 a.m. Ladies Fashion Show

1:30 p.m. Merchant's Bank Raid Reenactment (located just 3 short blocks the Moses Austin Park)

2:00 p.m. Civil War Plaque Dedication

2:30 p.m. Civil War Camp Life and Educational Interaction with Re-enactors

3:00 p.m. Civil War School Classroom educational activity

4:00 p.m. Camp Closed for the day

Sunday, July 10

8:00 a.m. Civil War Chaplain's Church Service

9:00to 11:00 a.m. Camp Life and Educational activities

1:00 p.m. Infantry Drill Demonstrations

1:30 p.m. Cavalry Drill Demonstrations

2:00 p.m. Artillery Demonstrations

3:00 p.m. Camp Closed

Spectators are encouraged to sign the guest book at the Information tent shelter and donations are welcome. Ice cold bottled water will be for sale throughout the weekend. Open to the public and no admission fee.