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Battle of Athens Historic Site is a place of peace and serenity. Its historic buildings and tree-studded landscape, as well as, one mile of Des Moines River frontage make the site a perfect place to hike, picnic or camp. But today’s peace belies the site’s history. This is the place where the most northern battle fought west of the Mississippi occurred. Here, about 500 Union soldiers repelled nearly four times their number of pro-Southern State Guardsmen. The site includes interpretation and tours of the battlefield as well as a number of historic buildings. There is even one that was pierced by a cannonball during the battle.
Commemorations of the Battle of Athens were first held in 1868 and became annual events in 1900. In 1962, area residents interested in preserving the battle site formed the Athens Park Development Association. They held annual events including dances, raffles and a motorcycle hill climb to raise money to finance land purchases. Through land donations, purchases and hard work, the group was able to create Battle of Athens Park. In 1975, the group donated the park to the Missouri State Park Board and Battle of Athens State Park was born. In 1981, the site began hosting Civil War battle re-enactments and in 1985, the facility was reclassified as a state historic site.
MODERN DAY
Today, the historic site encompasses much of the former town of Athens. Several buildings have been preserved and are undergoing restoration. Foremost is the Thome-Benning house, locally known as “the Cannonball House,” which still exhibits two holes made through the kitchen walls by a cannonball during the battle. Visitors can tour the house, visit the Thome mill ruins, participate in guided tours of the historic town site or take advantage of numerous recreation opportunities. There are hiking trails, a lake for fishing, picnic areas, a playground, a campground and 1.5 miles of Des Moines River frontage. The facility also contains the Des Moines River Ravines Natural Area, home of numerous rare ferns, wildflowers and other plants.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
660-877-3871
PARK ADDRESS
Route 1 Box 26
Highway CC
Revere, MO 63465-9714
For more information click HERE.
Have you visited this state park? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
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