Mount Pleasant in Henry County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Camp Harlan

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 9, 2007

1. Camp Harlan Marker

Inscription. With the assistance of Senator James Harlan, the War Department authorized a military training camp at Mount Pleasant in October of 1861. The first recruits began arriving that September at Camp Harlan, which was designated as a cavalry training post for the Fourth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. Twelve companies had been mustered by November 23, 1861 with 1086 men and officers. These first recruits found only an open meadow and piles of lumber to be used for barracks construction, with the people of the county providing food and blankets. The first companies left by train on February 25 when the Fourth Iowa received orders to move to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri.

Starting in August, 1862 a second regiment was organized, the 25th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with the military post now called Camp McKean. Ten companies were mustered on September 27, 1862 with a strength of 972 men. After training under the command of Colonel George A. Stone, the first units left for St. Louis early in November.

Nine soldiers died while on duty at Camp Harlan and Camp McKean. They are buried in Forest Home Cemetery.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 23, 1861.

Location. 40° 58.58′ N, 91° 34.953′ W. Marker is in Mount Pleasant

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, Iowa, in Henry County. It is at the intersection of West Courtland Street and Hickory Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Courtland Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mount Pleasant IA 52641, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

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

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Camp Harlan (here, next to this marker); Votes For Women (approx. 1½ miles away); Belle Babb Mansfield (approx. 1½ miles away); Iowa Wesleyan College (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named Iowa Wesleyan College (approx. 1½ miles away); P.E.O. Sisterhood Founded (approx. 1½ miles away); Harlan Hotel (approx. 1.6 miles away); James Harlan (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Pleasant.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 9, 2007

2. Camp Harlan Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 869 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.