University Heights in Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
John Smith Phelps / Phelps Homesite
1814-1866
Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
1. John Smith Phelps/Phelps Homesite Marker
John Smith Phelps
This statesman, as a representative in Congress (1844-1862), helped establish the first Overland Mail. During the Civil War he organized and commanded the "Phelps Regiment", a Home Guard unit, and served as military governor of Arkansas. As a Springfield lawyer, he defended Wild Bill Hickok. He was governor of Missouri (1877-1881).
Phelps Homesite
Phelps Grove Park is part of the 1050 acre farm of John Smith Phelps. The log and frame house stood southwest, the barn west, and the spring south of this marker. During the Civil War troops camped on the farm. Mrs. Phelps had the body of General Nathaniel Lyon temporarily buried here, and she sheltered children orphaned by the war.
Erected 1963 by Greene County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 11.322′ N, 93° 16.927′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is in University Heights. Marker is at the intersection of East Brookside Drive and South Virginia Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East Brookside Drive. Marker is located at Phelps Grove Park.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mary Whitney Phelps (here, next to this marker); Civil War Orphans' Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Maple Park Gazebo (approx. ¾ mile away); Battle of Springfield (approx. 0.8 miles away); Kickapoo Indian Village (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Springfield (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Day House (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Springfield (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Also see . . . John S. Phelps on Wikipedia. Phelps was born in Simsbury, Connecticut and raised there. He would later become a lawyer in Vermont until his marriage to Mary Whitney (see marker next to this one). They would settle in Springfield where John would begin his political and military career. Because he was well-respected, Phelps County in Missouri is named for him. (Submitted on April 13, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
2. John Smith Phelps/Phelps Homesite Marker
Phelps Homesite side
Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
3. John Smith Phelps/Phelps Homesite Marker
Looking north; two-sided marker located at the south end of Phelps Grove Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
