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Missouri is less than a year away from its sesquicentennial Civil War commemoration, an event that planners envision elevating interest in the state’s history closer to hubs of historical tourism like Tennessee and Virginia.
During the start of the Civil War in 1861, more battles were fought in the Missouri than in any other state, a fact that members of state Civil War organizations say is lost on some.
“It was the epicenter of the war,” Jim Robertson, managing editor of the Columbia Daily Tribune said. “We have to get that message out there. There are millions of people in the states surrounding Missouri who are really still vitally interested in the Civil War. They can come to Missouri, but we’ve got to tell them about the history here.”
Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Robertson in April to a 10-member Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
The group is the second such commission formed, following one that former Gov. Matt Blunt appointed and allocated $200,000 to in 2008. The money was never appropriated though, and the appointees never met.
Now, the commission is trying to organize the 150 year commemoration on a tight deadline with the help of state resources but no direct public funding.
“The timing is unfortunate. It’s tough times for the state and the economy,” Robertson said.
Among the events planned, is a reenactment of the First Battle of Boonville from June 17-19, 2011. The City of Boonville has allocated $20,000 towards the series of historical events organized by the Boonville Civil War Commemorative Commission.
Events are expected to be held throughout Missouri from 2011 to 2015, in coordination with the dates of the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865.
Want to read more? Grab a copy of the Boonville Daily News e-edition after 3 p.m. today.
Missouri is less than a year away from its sesquicentennial Civil War commemoration, an event that planners envision elevating interest in the state’s history closer to hubs of historical tourism like Tennessee and Virginia.
During the start of the Civil War in 1861, more battles were fought in the Missouri than in any other state, a fact that members of state Civil War organizations say is lost on some.
“It was the epicenter of the war,” Jim Robertson, managing editor of the Columbia Daily Tribune said. “We have to get that message out there. There are millions of people in the states surrounding Missouri who are really still vitally interested in the Civil War. They can come to Missouri, but we’ve got to tell them about the history here.”
Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Robertson in April to a 10-member Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.
The group is the second such commission formed, following one that former Gov. Matt Blunt appointed and allocated $200,000 to in 2008. The money was never appropriated though, and the appointees never met.
Now, the commission is trying to organize the 150 year commemoration on a tight deadline with the help of state resources but no direct public funding.
“The timing is unfortunate. It’s tough times for the state and the economy,” Robertson said.
Among the events planned, is a reenactment of the First Battle of Boonville from June 17-19, 2011. The City of Boonville has allocated $20,000 towards the series of historical events organized by the Boonville Civil War Commemorative Commission.
Events are expected to be held throughout Missouri from 2011 to 2015, in coordination with the dates of the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865.
Want to read more? Grab a copy of the Boonville Daily News e-edition after 3 p.m. today.
