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Mt. Vernon, Missouri

The Confederate Army kept a garrison at Mr. Vernon after the battle of Wilson's Creek (August 10, 1861), but Union Colonel John Mills' troops routed them on Feb. 18th and 19th, that next spring in the "Rebel Flag Incident" where the Yankees took away several prisoners and the Rebel flag which had been flying over the courthouse. Three rows of Union trenches north of town (at Truitt Creek on Hwy. 39) were believed to have been dug to turn back an anticipated attack by Confederate General, Jo Shelby. Shelby's troops also had a skirmish north of town in October of '64, the same year disgraced Union Colonel "Doc" Jennison's Kansas raiders plundered the area prior to his arrest.

Three blocks south of the square on Main Street, The Presbyterian Church served as a Confederate army hospital after the battle of Wilson's Creek. Union troops later established a hospital in a building on the southwest corner of the square, where Trogdon's Insurance now stands. Union Col. (later, Major General), Franz Digel's troops rested here for two days after their defeat at Carthage on July 5th, 1861. Scores of other incidents occurred here and over 100,000 troops were through the area during the war. There were both Union and Confederate camps in the northeast part of town, and "town creek" at the north edge of town was a huge cavalry grazing area.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


"Brick" Presbyterian Church

The beautiful, stately, historic church, known familiarly as Brick Church because of its 17-inch thick brick walls, stands solidly in a picturesque setting of prairie land.

The church, organized in 1854 was built in 1872 to last as a house of praise to the Lord. Today'

Mt. Vernon, MO Historic Churches

Big Spring

When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'

Mt. Vernon, MO Archaeology

The 2nd "Old Jail"

The county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life

City Parks

Williams Creek Park and the "Spirit of 76" Recreation Complex - Mt. Vernon's largest and newest park is the "Spirit of 76"

Mt. Vernon, MO Recreation

Things to do near Mt. Vernon, MO

Roaring River Theatre

Live family entertainment. Country, gospel and comedy. Bluegrass first Fri. of every month, year-round. Variety music show, A...

Schifferdecker Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 3 days...

Millwood Golf & Racquet Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Ava Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 1 days...