Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The History of the 140th Infantry Regiment

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

1. The History of the 140th Infantry Regiment Marker

Inscription.
The Regiment can trace its heritage back to the 6th Missouri Infantry that fought in the Civil War on the side of the South. Missouri was a “border state” during that conflict. Initially, the Regiment was comprised of men from southeast Missouri. The headquarters was in Cape Girardeau.

Later, the Regiment served in the Spanish-American War and was officially placed on active duty in the U.S. Army on August 5, 1917.

The Regiment saw combat at Alsace Lorraine and Meuse Argonne in France during WWI. During WWII, the unit became part of the 35th Infantry Division. It was fortunate to not serve in any overseas campaigns. Instead, it was assigned to coastal security duties on the west coast.

Upon deactivation from Federal status, the Regiment again became the 140th Infantry Regiment Missouri Army National Guard: the premiere unit within the state. The regiment was deactivated in 1963 and, with the casing of its colors, became part of southeast Missouri's history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil • War, World I • War, World II.

Location. 37° 20.546′ N,

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89° 35.369′ W. Marker is in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. It can be reached from the intersection of North Kingshighway Street (U.S. 61) and County Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the Cape Girardeau Veterans Memorial in Cape Girardeau County Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Girardeau MO 63701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cape Girardeau Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Pfc. Richard Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Girardeau (about

140th Infantry Regiment Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

2. 140th Infantry Regiment Memorial

(memorial located beside the marker)
Dedicated to
Veterans
of the
140th Infantry Regiment

400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George & Fred Naeter (approx. 2.7 miles away); St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 4.3 miles away); Old Lorimier Cemetery (approx. 4.4 miles away); H&H Building (approx. 4½ miles away); Marquette Tower (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Girardeau.

Also see . . . 140th Infantry Regiment (United States). Excerpt:

The 140th Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army, Missouri Army National Guard. It is one of the few US Army regiments that trace its heritage to historic regiments of the Confederate States Army, the 6th Missouri Infantry. The 6th Missouri was first organized in 1862 during the American Civil War in order to serve the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the 6th was reactivated on 27 June 1898 to serve the US Army during the Spanish–American War where it served in the occupation force in Cuba. On 29 June 1917, the regiment was reactivated for service in the First World War when it consolidated with elements of the 3rd Missouri to create the 140th Infantry Regiment in
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

3. The History of the 140th Infantry Regiment Marker
Looking south across U.S. Highway 61 toward Cape Girardeau County Park South.
October 1917. The new regiment was assigned to the 35th Infantry Division. When World War II broke out and America became involved due to the Attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the 140th Infantry Regiment was detached from service in the 35th Infantry Division in order to defend against possible Japanese attacks on the West Coast, where they remained until the end of the war. The 140th finally cased its colors in 1963 when it was formally deactivated as a maneuver infantry regiment. It serves today as the 140th Regiment and runs the Regional Training Institute for the Missouri Army National Guard.

(Submitted on November 29, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.