1861

1861. Civil War. The Civil War left its mark on Cape Girardeau, which is why this mural contains three scenes depicting the conflict., The mural to the left is the Civil War-era view from FORT A, one of four forts constructed in Cape Girardeau by Union forces during the summer of 1861. Fort A was located on the BLUFF that can be seen just west of the first panel of the Mississippi River Tales Mural., Encircling Cape Girardeau, these forts provided protection from attack by land or water. FORT C guarded the western and southern approaches to the city and blocked access by Confederate forces., Grant VS. Prentiss , Cape Girardeau became a fortified and occupied community during the Civil War. Newly appointed Brigadier Generals ULYSSES S. GRANT and BENJAMIN PRENTISS reached Cape Girardeau on the same day with conflicting orders of command. This image recounts a HEATED ARGUMENT the two generals had over rank. A shouting match took place in which Grant emerged the winner. Prentiss returned to St. Louis while Grant went on to battle in Vicksburg, MS, as well as Shiloh and Chattanooga, TN, and later became President., FORT D , The earthen walls of Fort D are the only portion of the Cape Girardeau's four forts that still exist. Just 1.3 miles south of this location, visitors can tour the grounds, learning more through the interpretive signage.