National Register Listing

Civil War Fortification at Barnesville

a.k.a. Fort Barnesville

Deer Run State Forest, Ellington, MO
Local significance of the structure:
Military; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, stretching for 2,341 miles from its source in Montana to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico.
Missouri random facts
Reynolds County, Missouri, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware peoples. European explorers first arrived in the late 17th century, with French settlers establishing the first permanent settlement in 1722.

During the early 19th century, Reynolds County remained relatively unpopulated, but it soon became a prime location for lead mining and settlement. The discovery of lead deposits in the area led to a boom in mining activity, attracting a large influx of settlers, primarily from the Appalachian region. The county was officially established in 1845 and named after Thomas Reynolds, the Missouri governor at the time.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Reynolds County, as it was located along the border of Missouri, a state divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The area saw numerous skirmishes and guerrilla warfare activities. The Battle of Pilot Knob, fought in nearby Iron County, was a major engagement that occurred in 1864.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Reynolds County's economy shifted away from mining towards agriculture and timber industries. The county has a rich natural environment, with the Mark Twain National Forest covering a substantial portion of its land. Today, Reynolds County continues to be a rural area known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a small but resilient community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Reynolds County, Missouri.

  • 1800: The area that would become Reynolds County is first explored by French and Spanish explorers.
  • 1812: Captain John Long leads a group of settlers from Tennessee to the region that would eventually become Reynolds County.
  • 1837: Reynolds County is officially established by the Missouri General Assembly.
  • 1846: The first courthouse is built in Centerville, the county seat of Reynolds County.
  • 1850s: The population of Reynolds County grows significantly due to the construction of the Iron Mountain Railroad.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Reynolds County becomes a battleground with numerous skirmishes and guerilla warfare incidents taking place.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Reynolds County begins the process of post-war recovery.
  • 1870s: The railroad continues to drive economic growth in the county, with mining and timber industries becoming major contributors to the local economy.
  • 1929-1939: The Great Depression hits Reynolds County hard, causing widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
  • 1940s-1950s: The establishment of Fort Leonard Wood military base brings economic opportunities to Reynolds County.
  • 2002: Reynolds County experiences a devastating flood that causes significant damage to homes and infrastructure.