Cape Girardeau is known for its romantic vistas, thriving restaurant scene and ties to national history. In 1803, Lewis and Clark visited Louis Lorimier, Cape’s founder. Plus, the city has welcomed multiple presidents, and even Mark Twain wrote about Cape Girardeau’s “handsome appearance.”

The conflict

April 26, 1863, marks another event that propelled Cape Girardeau to national significance: The Battle of Cape Girardeau – a civil war skirmish.

Confederate Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke longed to disrupt Union operations and relieve pressure on other Confederate troops in Southeast Missouri. He ordered two columns of two brigades each, including the infamous Iron Brigade, to help in this endeavor. His plan was backed by the power of 5,000 men.

One column marched toward Bloomfield, Mo., in an attempt to capture the Federal garrison there. U.S. Brigadier General John McNeil was stationed in Bloomfield, and Marmaduke incorrectly surmised McNeil would flee to Union headquarters at Pilot Knob.

McNeil instead fled to Cape Girardeau, where he enjoyed protection thanks in part to the four forts positioned around the town. McNeil refused to surrender to Confederate Colonel George W. Carter who followed him to Cape. Carter sent word to Marmaduke, and all the Confederate men rejoined to attack Cape Girardeau the next day.

The battle

It was a dreary Sunday with torrential rain buffeting the union-controlled town. In terms of alliances, Missouri acted as a sort of swing state, sending soldiers to both the Union and Confederacy. Cape Girardeau was similarly divided – Confederate sympathizers walked among Union officials.

In the fierce, four-hour artillery battle, six Union soldiers died and dozens were wounded. Historians believe the confederates’ losses may have doubled the Union’s. Cape was littered with shell fragments, but few buildings were harmed. Marmaduke retreated to Arkansas, failing to do any real damage to the Union, and the citizens of Cape Girardeau celebrated.

Keeping history alive

While Fort D is the only remaining fort from this historic period, there are several other sites that played roles in Civil War operations around town. You can explore them all and learn more about the Battle of Cape Girardeau during a self-guided driving tour.