Cape Girardeau was a divided community in the War Between the States; while many were sympathetic to the Confederacy, Cape Girardeau was held throughout the duration of the Civil War by Union forces.  Step back in time to a country divided, and experience the Civil War in our river city at the following sites.

Fort D was one of four forts constructed by Union forces in the heat of the summer in 1861.  These forts protected Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack by land or by water.  Fort D is the only surviving fort of the four, and the Civil War comes to life on the grounds at three living history encampments on the calendar for this summer.  Memorial Day at Fort D takes place May 23, 24 and 25, and local re-enactors will salute the memory of fallen soldiers with rifles and cannon fire.  Fourth at the Fort on July 4th and Labor Day at Fort D on September 7th feature local re-enactors wearing historically accurate woolen uniforms and hoopskirts, firing artillery and a cannon and cooking over a campfire. Fort D’s grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, and the site can be enjoyed during that time with the permanent storyboards located throughout the earthenworks fort.

Take in the view from Fort A* and see why Union forces were so keen to secure it as a means of defense; located at the end of Bellevue Street; this overlook has an incredible view of downtown Cape Girardeau and the Mississippi River.  

A driving tour of Cape Girardeau Civil War is available at the Convention & Visitors Bureau office at 400 Broadway 24/7 or for download, and highlights significant sites such as the Battle of Cape Girardeau, Old Lorimier Cemetery and the Mississippi River Waterfront.  

Cape Girardeau is proud to be a part of the U.S. Grant Trail’s Southeast Segment.  The U.S. Grant Trail focuses on places in the state of Missouri that defined the early Civil War career of General Ulysses S. Grant.  A brochure is available at our office 24/7, and Cape Girardeau sites include the Common Pleas Courthouse, the site of General Grant’s headquarters, St. Vincent’s College and more.  

Multiple panels on the nearly 18,000 square foot Mississippi River Tales Mural illustrate Civil War life in Cape Girardeau.  The 1861 panel features a view of the river from Fort A, and the 1863 features the Battle of Cape Girardeau.  Another painting on the mural commemorates Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Benjamin Prentiss both reaching Cape Girardeau on the same day with conflicting orders of command.  Storyboards along the mural provide the backstory to the vibrant paintings.  You’ll find the Mississippi River Tales Mural on the Water Street side of the floodwall on Cape Girardeau’s riverfront.

Step back in time in Cape Girardeau, where Civil War sites come to life.  Additional historic attractions in Cape Girardeau include a restored Victorian mansion, the largest collection of unbroken Native American pottery in North America and one of the only four covered bridges left in the state; learn more here.  

*Fort A is private property, so please enjoy the view respectfully.