Wishing to mark a significant area of Morgan County, MO, namely the area in and around Syracuse, MO, we would like several questions to be answered.
Syracuse was at the end of the MO Pacific Railroad, the north-west Morgan County town of Pacific City, was renamed Syracuse, MO, after it was found there was another post office by the name Pacific, Missouri. Due to the railroad ending there and the influx of workers for the line, the town had a population of 5000, with eight hotels, thirteen saloons, a bridge on the Lamine River, the area produced an abundance of Missouri mules and was ripe for the pickings of various warring factors of the Civil War.
At least four skirmishes involved the town and local areas. Oct. 14, 1862, Oct. 14, 1863, Oct. 5, 1864, and Oct. 10, 1864. The entire town was virtually burned to the ground at one time or another. The mule barn was the one remaining building throughout all the skirmishes.
Up to twenty men were executed by firing squads and the station agent was burned in the depot. Over 100 unidentified dead were buried in the local cemetery.
Most of the bodies were later recovered by family members, so perhaps there are more recent records of those who died there. Does anyone know the names of these previously unidentified soldiers?
It is thought the bodies were buried under what is now the dumpster area of the First Baptist Church.
Does anyone know for sure where the burials were placed? It seems an exact location has been lost and is unmarked.
The railroad embankment served as protection for the warring factions and spent minie balls are still excavated by gardeners and those digging along the north side of the railline. A privately owned field at the north of the city limits is thought to be the major battlefield, anyone know exact location/s?
General Joseph Shelby passed through the area and burned the Lamine R. bridge Oct. 9, 1863. General St. Price also led raids through the area. Over 400 mules and horses were taken from this rich farming area by the passing armies.
Any information will be greatly appreciated. We do have some other general information, but nothing specific as to the questions mentioned.