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The Battle of Springfield, also known as Marmaduke’s Raid, took place 150 years ago today, January 8th. To commemorate the battle, there will be a series of events held this week at the library center. KSMU’s Emma Wilson brings us this preview.
During the Civil War, the City of Springfield changed hands four different times. The largest engagement to happen inside the city boundaries took place in the very center of town 150 years ago. A color guard, period music, and local historians gathered downtown today for a commemoration of the battle and unveiling of new driving tour signs. Those new historic markers are to replace the existing ones and have been revised to include photos from the collection of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the most recently researched information about the Battle of Springfield.
The unveiling also marks the start of the Springfield Greene County Library’s commemoration of the battle, which begins this evening. Brian Grubbs is the local history and genealogy department manager at the Library Center.
“Kicking off tonight, we have Dr. William piston and John Rutherford talking about the battle of Springfield since it is the sesquicentennial anniversary. And then following each consecutive night until January 13th we have several different events going on, different programs, movie viewings of civil war films, music, different scholars and lecturers coming in, and living historians,” says Grubbs.
Among the 11 events is a presidential address from a living historian - posing as Abraham Lincoln, a lecture about slavery in Missouri, and a driving tour of the Battle of Springfield with historian John Rutherford. To find the complete list of events with times and details, just visit the Springfield-Greene County Library’s local history page or here:
This week begins the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Springfield. Below are several events and exhibits that are being presented. All events are at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, unless otherwise noted.
Events
Quinine and Courage: Marmaduke’s Raid on Springfield. Dr. William Piston and John Rutherford observe the 150th anniversary of the battle. Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m.
Presidential Address: Emancipation and Slavery in Missouri. Fritz Klein brings the personal and presidential perspectives of Lincoln to life. Wednesday, January 9, 6:30 p.m.
Artifacts from the Battlefield. Debra Wood and Alan Chilton show artifacts from Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Thursday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.
The Lucy Chronicles. Jonathan Herbert presents a collection of short dramas in dramatic readings. Thursday, January 10, 7:30 p.m.
Racing to the Crossroads: The Battle of Hartville. Michael Price explores the impact of Marmaduke’s Raid in Missouri. Friday, January 11, 6:30 p.m.
On Slavery’s Border: Enslaved Families and Communities in Missouri, 1815-1865. Dr. Diane Mutti Burke looks at small-scale slavery in Missouri households. Friday, January 11, 7:30 p.m.
Film presentation: “Ride with the Devil” with scholarly led discussion. Dr. Jeremy Neely discusses guerilla warfare related to the film. Saturday, January 12, 2 p.m.
Alf Bolin, Notorious Bushwhacker. Wayne Glenn discusses the origin of Alf Bolin and his evil deeds. Saturday, January 12, 6:30 p.m.
John R. Kelso, Bushwhacker Hunter. Teresa Hernandez offers a look into the mind of one of Missouri’s most ruthless soldiers. Saturday, January 12, 7:30 p.m.
The Holmes Brigade Minstrels. An authentic historical music experience of Civil War camp life. Sunday, January 13, 2 p.m.
Exhibits
Battle of Springfield Website. A new website featuring an interactive map of the Battle of Springfield is to be unveiled in time to coincide with the anniversary of the battle. Visitwww.springfield1863.org
New Historic Markers for the Battle of Springfield. Honoring the sesquicentennial of the 1863 Battle of Springfield, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation is updating the historic markers throughout downtown Springfield. The markers will be unveiled at a noon ceremony on Park Central Square, followed by a reception at The History Museum on the Square, 155 Park Central Square. January 8, 12 p.m.; downtown Springfield.
“Civil War in Springfield, Missouri”. A collaborative exhibit from the Library and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield depicting soldiers, civilians and artifacts from Springfield during the Civil War. January; Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square.
“Marmaduke’s Southwest Missouri Raid”. An eight-panel traveling exhibit exploring Gen. John S. Marmaduke’s 1863 raid into southwest Missouri and the culminating battles of Springfield and Hartville. Available for viewing at:
• January–February; History Museum for Springfield-Greene County, 155 Park Central Square
• January; The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway
• January–February; Wright County Library, Hartville, Mansfield and Mountain Grove
“Divided Loyalties: Civil War Documents from the Missouri State Archives”. This multi-panel traveling exhibit examines the upheaval in Civil War Missouri. It draws on Civil War-related documents and court cases to reveal the charged atmosphere of social conflict in Missouri long after the Kansas Border Wars of the mid-1850s. January–March; The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.
For KSMU’s Sense of Place, I’m Emma Wilson.