fort davidson state historic site

alwaysaway38

Great little day trip for Missourians. The little museum was neat with lots of cool history and artifacts. Mom, Dad, and all the kids even put down the smart phones and learned something new about Missouri's history.

DaveLandes

In the heart of the St. Francois Mountains. Orchestrated by the Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources. The battlefield site includes a visitor center and the remains of the old Fort Davidson (with moat and magazine crater still intact). The visitor center museum displays excellent exhibits and collections of artifacts (including weaponry from the era, as well as some items which were actually dug up from the site). The staff there is very helpful and knowledgeable with the history of the battle, and the significance it played in the later stages of the Civil War. A battle reenactment is performed annually during the later part of September, including a guided hike up the adjacent Iron Mountain (done in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which maintains the mountain). Other attractions close by include Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut-Ins, and Tom Sauk Mountain State Parks. All a one day deal.

Member605

This site is no Gettysburg or Bull Run, but in the historical context of the Civil War in Missouri, it is an important site. The geography of the area really lends itself to the history and strategic placement of the fort, and the historic iron mine of Pilot Knob which overlooks it. The actual remaining earthworks of the fort is not all that much to look at, but knowing how many Civil War sites around the country that have been paved over or developed, it still spurs the imagination. The accompanying museum provides a good historical narrative and helps depict the Battle of Pilot Knob and visualize the fort as it appeared during the Civil War. I was surprised to recently learn the Missouri had the 3rd most Civil War battles fought in it Behind Virginia and Tennessee, and this was one of the important ones. Free.

ericn616

Neat little museum inside depicting the battle that occurred here. Isnt a real fancy battlefield by any means. Just the fort remains and a few signs posted showing what the area looked like in the 1860s. Still kinda cool to stand in side the earthen fort and look around and wonder what it was like to be in the soldiers place

KennR416

Normal site with signs describing the fight. Clean and maintained. Didn't get to tour museum due to after 4:00 pm.

MeryMeCo

We've been wanting to come here for months now as we are trying to go to all the sites from Sterling Price's 1864 Missouri Raid. We should have started here but since we live in Springfield, MO, we started close by home.This visitor center had great displays. We especially enjoyed the diorama which helped explain the battle. We also enjoyed the movie about the battle. The rangers there were very helpful sharing information about exhibits and events. Pilot Knob just had a 150th battle reenactment. We've been studying about Sterling Price's raid and it was great finally being at Pilot Knob. Well worth the time and it was a beautiful drive to get there.

RitaR778

We were in the area and stopped to see what this historic site had to offer. It was a good stop. Very interesting information and a good video to talk about the battle here.

tamarap302

If you like history you will enjoy this place. It is small but worth a stop. There is quite a bit about the significance of this place that a lot of people are not aware of. It is conveniently located in town.

joyceb938

Tells so much about the Battle of Pilot Knob during the Civil War. Has a short film about the Battle, also a selection of souvenirs. Certain times of the year have re-enactments, one scheduled later in September 2014

LuvMex828

We stopped in to see the museum and fort. The museum was small. I strongly recommend watching the diorama light show to get an idea of how the historic battle took place. It helped us get a better understanding once we were outside looking at the actual earthworks of the fort. The museum was having technical difficulties with the video, but they were able to get it working. Some members of our party watched it, but found it a little long.

350ScottH350

The site has been upgraded to a park-like area with tables and benches and signs to explain what happened there. If you like Missouri history, this will be worthwhile to visit while you're in the area.

jessicab740

If you are a history buff, you will enjoy Fort Davidson Historic Site. There is a museum with many different flags used during the Civil war. Photographs of soldiers both Union and confederate. Cannon replicas, rifles, shot, uniforms the men wore, and more. There were two men who worked there and they were very knowledgeable about the battle at Pilot Knob. One of them suggested at good restaurant in the area to try and it was delish! There is a 0.5 mile trail behind the visitor center. You have to leave the parking lot and turn onto industrial drive to get to it. It was a cute little trail and a fun walk.

rickbrowers874

Alot to see at the Museum on site, with old artifacts of the civil war, and with thing's to see on the ground's.

LOL305

This attraction is free and very well done. A movie is shown that is excellent and the exhibit is also very good. The gentleman that was there is chatty and knowledgeable. The entire site needs an hour.

mirtle2

The site is in a beautiful location in Pilot Knob. We really enjoyed learning about the important historic events that took place at Fort Davidson. The short film and the lighted battle map display are a must see.