The Battle of Wentzville

 
 
The History of the Battle of Wentzville The following account of the Battle of Wentzville is based on information compiled by Gerry Matlock, former Wentzville Historical Society President, and from official Federal Government records. On July 15, 1861, four companies of the 2nd Missouri Infantry and two companies of the 8th Missouri Infantry left St. Louis by train, heading west on the North Missouri Railroad Line to Mexico, Missouri. Their mission was to join forces with Col. Franz Sigel. When the train was about six miles west of St. Charles, the Union troops found that they were entering an unfriendly part of the state as they began to take occasional gunfire. Upon arriving in Wentzville in the evening, the soldiers ate supper, then proceeded down the railroad line into the dark and rainy night. About three miles west of town, the train was attacked. Soldiers turned out of the train to fight, but their attackers could not be found. After re-boarding the train, they returned to Wentzville where the wounded were treated at the Wentzville Hotel (present site of the West Allen Grill). The main room of the hotel was made into a temporary hospital. The next morning, the soldiers continued their journey. Again they were attacked. After repulsing there attacks by Missouri Bushwhackers, the train was able to proceed to link up with Sigel in Mexico. The actual number wounded or killed in this engagement is unknown. Some accounts place wounded at 30 and killed at 7. Cannon balls found near the railroad tracks in the area are on display at the Wentzville Historical Society's museum room at the Green Lantern Center. A historic marker commemorating this event is located just west of Linn Avenue on Pearce Boulevard in Bicentennial Park. ********************************************************************** The Battle of Wentzville Information for Reenactors The Battle of Wentzville will commemorate the original skirmishes that took place between July 16 & 17, 1861 in Wentzville. This is an Early War Event. All branches are welcome. The event will be held on Sept. 6,7, 2008 at Rotary Park in Wentzville, Missouri. Amenities include: * Sanitary facilities (some permanent as well as portable) * Hay for horses * Straw for bedding * Drinking water * Water for horses * Firewood Powder rations for early registered artillery More to come The weekend will include: * Battles on Saturday and Sunday * Period social events to include a dance * Period religious service * Other activities still in planning stage Sutlers are welcome. Download the Event Registration form EventRegistration.pdf Return the completed form to: The Battle of Wentzville Emmett Taylor 1302 Wilmer Road Wentzville, MO 63385 (636) 332-5782 emmett@thecavalry.org. *********************************************************************************************** Information for the Public The Battle of Wentzville Sept. 6, 7, 2008 Nowhere in the country did the American Civil War have more impact that right here in Missouri. Some of the earliest action of the war was in western St. Charles County. Come to Rotary Park in Wentzville on the weekend of Sept. 6, 7, 2008 and experience some of the sights and sounds of the Civil War. You will be able to talk to period-dressed soldiers and civilians about what life was like during that time. You will see mounted cavalry, finely drilled infantry, and you will hear the thunder of “authentic” artillery pieces. A Victorian Ball will be held Saturday evening. The public is invited and encouraged to attend, you will enjoy live music from the period and learn to dance the Virginia Reel. Period attire is not required, and there is no charge. Sutlers (Civil War period merchants) will have items for sale, as will other period craftsmen. Because things to see and activities will be spread out, plans are being made to provide transportation around the park during the weekend. The weekend schedule looks like this: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 9:00 am Campsites open to the public 10:00 Military units drill 11:00 Mounted cavalry demonstration 1:00 pm Ladies Tea 2:00 pm Battle reenactment 3:00 Medical demonstration 4:00 Campsites closes to the public 7:30 Victorian period ball (the public is urged to participate) Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008 9:00 am Campsites open to the public Reenactor’s Rummage Sale 10:00 Civil War period church service 11:00 Military troops march in review. 2:00 pm Battle reenactment 3:00 Reenactment close The_Battle_of_Wentzville_files/EventRegistration.pdfmailto:emmett@thecavalry.orgshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1

        September 6th & 7th, 2008, Rotary Park, Wentzville, Missouri



                                            email:  emmett@thecavalry.org