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Of the approximate 33,000 cities and towns that make up the United States, just 340 towns were involved in the Civil War. Fredericktown was one of those towns.
Fredericktown was the site of a battle just one mile south of the courthouse. A Missouri DNR Parks Division historic highway marker was erected at the site in 2008. The Foundation purchased a portion of the battlefield in 2008.
Another bit of history is unique to Fredericktown and only 35 other towns during the Civil War. The 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry had a Bald Eagle mascot named "Old Abe" they carried with them in all of their battles - the first battle being the
Battle of Fredericktown, followed by two others in southeast Missouri and then battles in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.
A life-size metal sculpture of "Old Abe" can be found on our courthouse square. This sculpture begins the "War Eagle Trail. We are working with our three sister states to develop a driving tour that will take the tourist from battle to battle.
After a 3 year restoration, a house built in 1877 was dedicated and opened as the Battle of Fredericktown Civil War Museum. The museum is located one block south of the courthouse and directly across the street from the post office. Exhibits describe the battle here and identify local soldiers.
We have included unique exhibits that are not just the ordinary facts and figures commonly known about the war.
We welcome group tours and school field trips to see all of our historic sites. Please email foundation@fhphistory.org to make your reservation.
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