Since the town was burned, we can't find any preserved pictures. We are attempting to get the whole town and battle area registered as a historic site. I have present-day pics. of the cemetery (100 unidentified burials in a mass grave, later re-interred by family members); battle and execution field for 20 executed; railway embankments used as breastworks and the Butterfield Stage Relay house and site (run by G. W. Shackleford, executed as S. sympathizer amongst the 20 victims). We really need pre- or Civil War era pics.

Syracuse, MO, was named Pacific City (until 1866) when it became Syracuse. It was the end of the MO Pacific or Pacific Railway at the time and supported 18 hotels, about that number of saloons, the Presbyterian church, which served as garrison housing, along with private homes; later the church served as a hospital. There was a population of 8000 individuals, mostly railroad workmen. As the depot and the "turn around" were the end of the rail line, it served as a vital supply line for recruits and supplies.

The rail line came from Jefferson City, MO. A portion of the track between Tipton and Syracuse was torn up during JO Shelby's raid through MO. His men also tore down and burned the water tower at Tipton. I assume the water was necessary to run the steam engines. A skirmish occured around the McClay house in Tipton, before outnumbered defenders retreated.

If anyone could provide us with pictures or even of the outlaying battlesites, we would greatly appreciate that assistance. The battlefield is on the present-day properties of Chad Klein and Nathan Miller with Syracuse addresses. (North, north west of the western boundary of the town.) Thanks.