Cape Girardeau, Missouri Forts and Civil War Battle
Nestled on the western bank of the mighty Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, boasts a history deeply intertwined with the narrative of the American Civil War. Its strategic location, perched on the first continuous high ground encountered when traveling upstream from the confluence of the Ohio River, made it a critical point for both the Union and Confederate forces. This geographical advantage ultimately led to the construction of fortifications and a notable, albeit relatively small, battle that shaped the region’s wartime experience. The tale of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, forts and Civil War battle is one of strategic planning, military maneuvering, and the enduring legacy of a nation divided.
The year 1861 marked a turning point for Cape Girardeau, Missouri. As tensions escalated and the Civil War erupted, the Union Army recognized the vital importance of securing the city. General Ulysses S. Grant, a name synonymous with Union victory, authorized the construction of a series of defensive structures designed to protect Cape Girardeau from Confederate incursions. These fortifications, known as Forts A, B, C, and D, were strategically positioned around the city, each serving a specific purpose in the overall defense plan.
Fort A, the northernmost of the fortifications, was strategically placed on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Its primary objective was to defend the city against potential attacks from Confederate gunboats navigating the river. Located north of present-day Bellevue Street, between Lorimier and Spanish Streets, Fort A commanded a sweeping view of the river, enabling Union artillery to effectively target enemy vessels. Unfortunately, time has taken its toll, and nothing remains of Fort A today, leaving only historical records and maps to mark its former presence.
Fort B held a crucial position on a hill now occupied by Southeast Missouri State University. This fort was designed to protect the city from land-based attacks approaching along Perryville Road and Jackson Road (now Broadway Avenue). Unlike some of its counterparts, Fort B was an open-sided structure, featuring earthworks on its northern and western sides to provide cover and protection for the artillery crews. Armed with howitzers and formidable 24-pound siege guns, Fort B stood ready to repel any Confederate advance. While the physical remnants of Fort B have vanished, a monument stands as a testament to its historical significance, reminding visitors of the role it played in defending Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Fort C was located near the intersection of South Ellis Street and Good Hope Street, strategically guarding key access routes to the city. Its position allowed it to control approaches from Bloomfield Road, Gordonville Road (now Independence Street), and Commerce Road (now Sprigg Street), effectively limiting Confederate movement and access to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. During the Battle of Cape Girardeau, Confederate forces wisely remained beyond the range of Fort C’s powerful cannons, recognizing the defensive strength it provided to the Union garrison. Similar to Forts A and B, no physical remnants of Fort C exist today, but a monument serves as a reminder of its historical presence and its contribution to the defense of the city.
Fort D, the southernmost fortification, held a unique distinction among the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, forts. Situated on a river bluff south of the city, Fort D, like Fort A, primarily served as a river defense, but also as the region’s largest and most important garrison. It stands as the only fort remaining in Cape Girardeau today, a tangible link to the city’s Civil War past. Designed by Captains Franz Kappner and Henry Fladd of the Army Engineers, and constructed under the supervision of Lieutenant John W. Powell, construction began on August 6, 1861. Fort D was built in the French bastion style, characterized by a triangular shape with an open base. The earthworks faced away from the river, providing a commanding defensive position. Equipped with both 24 and 32-pound cannons, Fort D could effectively control river traffic and deter Confederate incursions.
Interestingly, soldiers stationed at Fort D reported the presence of "Quaker" cannons – logs painted black to resemble actual artillery pieces. These deceptive measures were intended to enhance the fort’s perceived strength and deter potential attacks. Soldiers also dug artificial caves into the hillside below the fort, seeking refuge from the harsh winter weather. While Fort D did not directly engage in combat during the Battle of Cape Girardeau, its mere presence served as a powerful deterrent, contributing to the city’s overall defense.
In 1936, the American Legion Post acquired the Fort D site, undertaking restoration efforts to bring the earthworks back to their original height, albeit with some modifications. A stone building, erected in the center of the fort on the site of the original powder house, was dedicated to the city and now forms part of the City of Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department.
Today, the earthwork walls of Fort D remain intact, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Historical signage throughout the grounds brings the fort’s storied history to life. Located at Fort Street and Locust Street, Fort D is open daily from dawn to dusk, inviting visitors to explore its grounds and learn about its significant role in the history of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Lieutenant John W. Powell, who oversaw the construction and initial manning of the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, forts, played a significant role in the city’s defense. He recruited local citizens, forming Battery F, 2nd Illinois Artillery. Powell later fought valiantly at the Battle of Shiloh, where he tragically lost his arm. After the Civil War, Powell achieved lasting fame as the leader of the first expedition to successfully navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, solidifying his place in American history.
The Battle of Cape Girardeau, a relatively minor engagement within the broader context of the Trans-Mississippi Campaign, occurred on April 26, 1863. Confederate Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke, in pursuit of Union Brigadier General John McNeil through Southeast Missouri, sought to engage McNeil’s forces at Bloomfield. However, McNeil retreated, leading Marmaduke to follow him to Cape Girardeau.
Anticipating an attack, General McNeil ordered the evacuation of women and children from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, via steamboat to a safer location upriver. Reinforcements arrived by river, bolstering McNeil’s forces and strengthening the city’s defenses. McNeil strategically repositioned cannons from Forts A and D along the river to Forts B and C on the city’s western side, anticipating the Confederate advance.
On the morning of April 26th, two columns of Confederate soldiers approached Cape Girardeau, Missouri, from the west. The attack commenced around 10:00 a.m., with cavalry charges launched by both sides. Colonel Joseph O. Shelby’s "Iron Brigade" initially drove back Federal troops, but the other Confederate column faced heavy artillery fire from Forts B and C. The fighting continued for approximately four to five hours before General Marmaduke ordered his forces to withdraw. Following the battle, Marmaduke retreated to Jackson, Missouri, and ultimately led his troops back to Arkansas, effectively ending his second Missouri raid.
The Battle of Cape Girardeau resulted in a Union victory. While U.S. casualties were relatively light, numbering around 12, Confederate casualties were estimated to be significantly higher, exceeding 300. However, some historians believe this number to be an exaggeration. Despite its relatively small scale, the Battle of Cape Girardeau played a role in solidifying Union control over the region and hindering Confederate efforts to disrupt Union supply lines and operations. The Cape Girardeau, Missouri, forts and Civil War battle became a pivotal part of the city’s history.