A Civil War Symposium: The War and Life in Southwest Missouri
Experience the drama that occurred during the battles in Greene and Wright counties in 1861 and 1863 through a series of programs Jan. 8-11 and Feb. 6 in the Library Center auditorium.
The military campaigns in the Missouri Ozarks had fewer troops and fewer resources assigned to the region than those in the states of Tennessee and Virginia, but soldiers here displayed great determination and endurance as they marched greater distances over more hilly and rocky terrain just to encounter their foes. The war also brought hardship, as soldiers, guerrillas and bushwhackers often disrupted the lives of Ozarks civilians and their families.
Marmaduke's Southwest Missouri Raid and the Battle of Springfield
Saturday, January 8, 2 p.m. Library Local History Associate John Rutherford and retired Missouri State University Professor Bill Piston, co-authors of “‘We Gave Them Thunder:’" Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas," will speak on the Battle of Springfield and Marmaduke's Raid. Books will be available for purchase and signing from 1-2 p.m.
Greyhounds: The First Iowa Infantry and the Campaign and Battle of Wilson's Creek
Sunday, January 9, 2 p.m. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Curator Jeff Patrick examines the pivotal role of the 90-day regiment in Missouri in 1861 and the unit's postwar legacy in Iowa, based in part on his book about the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Copies of Jeff's book, "Campaign for Wilson's Creek: The Fight for Missouri Begins," will be available for purchase and signing after the event.
"Mark Well The Spot Where They Meet:" A History of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Monday, January 10, 7 p.m. virtual and a live stream in the Library Center auditorium. Local History Associate Michael Price will trace the development of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Learn how community leaders preserved this local landmark and see the changes that have taken place over the years. The program will take place virtually with a live stream provided in the Library Center for anyone who wishes to watch it there. Registration is required to attend the virtual event and starts December 27. Register at thelibrary.org/programs; a link will be shared with registered participants.
The Battle of Hartville and Marmaduke's Southwest Missouri Raid in American Memory
Tuesday, January 11, 7 p.m. Local History Associate John Rutherford and retired Missouri State University Professor Bill Piston will speak on the Battle of Hartville and Marmaduke's Raid. Copies of their book, ‘“We Gave Them Thunder’ Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas," will be available for purchase and signing from 6-7 p.m.
The Civil War in Music and Memory
Sunday, February 6, 2 p.m. Missouri State University voices and musicians will perform Civil War-themed music, and MSU Professor James Baumlin will lead dramatic readings from the book “‘We Gave Them Thunder’": Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas” by John Rutherford and William Piston. Books will be available for sale and signing from 1-2 p.m.
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