St. Louis in the Civil War

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St. Louis, Missouri was a strategic location during the American Civil War, an important city to the Union army and navy. It was the major supply depot and launching point for campaigns in the western theatre.

Located near the junction of the Missouri River, the Ohio River and the Mississippi River, St. Louis was a major port and commercial center, with a growing industrial base. The population reached 160,000 in 1860. Catholics, mostly German Americans and Irish Americans were the dominant ethnic groups, along with many from both North and South.

The Camp Jackson Affair occurred early in the war on May 10, 1861, when Union military forces (consisting primarily of German immigrants) clashed with civilians on the streets of St. Louis, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people and injuries to another 100. The affair polarized the population of Missouri, leading many once-neutral citizens to advocate secession and setting the stage for sustained violence between the opposing factions.

During the Civil War, St. Louis stayed under Union control because of the strong military base, and the public support from loyal Germans. The largest percentage of volunteers served in the Union army; some went south to fight for the Confederacy. Some people who stayed in the city during the war and supported the South smuggled supplies, medicine, and otherwise assisted Confederate soldiers.

No major battles were fought in or near the city, but the Mississippi River became a vital highway to secure during the war. Loyalties to the Union and Confederacy caused families in St. Louis to split apart, making the Civil War an influential battle for every community.

[edit] References

  • William E. Parrish. A History of Missouri: Volume III, 1860 to 1875 (2001) ISBN 0-8262-0148-2


U.S. cities in the Civil War
North: Cincinnati - Cleveland - Harrisburg - New York City - Philadelphia - Washington, D.C.
Border / disputed states: Baltimore - Louisville - Romney, WV - St. Louis
South: Atlanta - Charleston - Columbia - Mobile - Nashville - New Orleans - Petersburg - Richmond - Selma - Vicksburg - Winchester - Wilmington


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