As the battle was unfolding in Carthage in July 1861, the officials of the United States Congress were preparing to declare war.

An Enchanting Little Municipality
by Molly Martin

Carthage, Missouri is an enchanting little municipality complete with an old fashioned town square, an awesome old courthouse, attractive shops, a red double decker 'London' bus, AND it holds the eminence of being the site of the first battle fought DURING the war of the 1860s!

Fighting had raged for a good many months along the eastern coast of the United States, prior to the battle of Carthage, howevery, war had not yet been declared by Congress. As the battle was unfolding in Carthage in July 1861 the officials of the United States Congress were engaged in the proceeding for declaring war.

Carthage is situated close to the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma border in the Southern part of the state which saw much guerrilla activity during the war. Traveling along I 44 south from Springfield toward Joplin you will pass through wooded terrain, rolling hills, rocky outcroppings and many small towns.

State Highway 71 north just before reaching Joplin will take the traveler to Carthage. Both Fall and Spring are beautiful times to visit the area. In the Fall the Ozark colors cannot be beat, weather is pleasant, carry a light jacket just in case. Spring brings dogwoods in abundance, it becomes a elfin wonderland of blossoms, sweaters and slickers may be needed.

Carthage itself has kept that marvelous, homespun feel lost to so many of the cities in our country. The courthouse square is a true old fashioned one. When you visit do take time to stroll the grounds and meander through the old stone courthouse itself. They are all a step back into a time well-nigh forgotten here in our country.

Bordering the square are the outstanding 'storefronts' built at the turn of the century, or just before and after. Most have been restored. You will find businesses as in any other city, along with jumble shops chock full of aging treasures, a tiny cafe or two along with offices. To sit at a diminutive table by the window, down a delicious sandwich or bowl of soup, gaze at the old courthouse and imagine the cars to be carriages pulled by horses is a gift hard to replace.

Just off the square is the 'Civil War' museum. There you will find bibelots from the period, along one of the most outstanding diorama's I have seen anywhere. The battle is laid out in great detail. Before moving on to the Battlefield itself be sure to check in with the museum to acquaint yourself with this little known battle.

If you enjoy reenactments, you will want to get in touch with the Chamber of Commerce to learn the date for the next one to be held, the Chamber is located on the square. The Battlefield grounds are just outside town. There you will find no cannon or statues as you do on many of the sites, you will find pictures and written accounts of the battle along with a chance to stand on ground which has changed little from those days. It helps to put into perspective what the area must have been like when filled with screams of men and horses, and gunfire.

Nearby in the neighboring environment is The Precious Moments Museum, Branson for shows and dining, and Grand Lake, Oklahoma for fishing and camping. Pensacola Dam the largest arch dam forms the lake. If you are 'into' 'civil war' sites Wilson's Creek/White Oak Battlefield is just south of Springfield, Fort Scott, Kansas which served as commissary outpost for Federal Troops in the Missouri, Indian Territory region is a short distance west and north of Joplin, Baxter Springs, Kansas site of a skirmish between Federal Troops and Col. Quantrill and his guerrilla's is just west of Joplin, Cabin Creek, Oklahoma is a few miles south of Joplin and was the site of 2 battles, one victory each for Federal and Confederate troops as they twice fought for possession of trains of supplies traveling from Ft Scott to Ft Gibson, Indian Territory.

If you do visit any of the battlefields during the 'tick' season be sure to use insect spray and sun screen, wear light clothing if you are going to be out walking in the grassy areas and check yourself, your kids and the dog over with great care for ticks before you leave. I like to wear white socks, and white pants .... the little buggers are easier to see creeping on your whites. Ticks pose little problem if brushed off before they bite, or if you remove quickly. They cause a sharp little 'pinch' sensation so you can tell right away if you are bitten. I carry little first aid wipes just in case and have yet to have a problem. Carry water for drinking as you wander the battlefields especially if you visit in warm weather.

Many 'chain' motels and restaurants are available to travelers throughout the area. Reservations are nice, but not always necessary.

Copyright © 2002 Molly Martin
All rights reserved

About the Author

      Molly Martin has been a kindergarten and first grade teacher, an adult Boy Scouter, and is the mother of two adult sons.
       Following a move from California to Oklahoma in 1990, she started writing articles for local newspapers. Topics typically involved parenting, travel, and plant care.
      Martin, writing as M. J. Hollingshead, has had nine novels published. Her mysteries include "The Inspector's Wife," "The Cats Paw: Blue Death," and the forthcoming novel "A Right Awful Murder." She also writes children's books and does research articles for a New York firm. You can find more information about Molly Martin and her novels at this site.