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Nearby Parks:
Shimek State Forest
Charlie Heath State Forest and Memorial Wildlife Area
Nauvoo State Park
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Geode State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Battle of Athens State Historic Site interprets the northernmost Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River along with providing recreational opportunities.
Some of the land and buildings included in the site were part of the once-thriving town of Athens. Located on the Des Moines River, 19th century Athens boasted about 50 businesses before the Civil War, including a large mill that produced flour, cornmeal, lumber, cotton and woolen goods. A large brick hotel, the St. Louis Hotel, was one of many other buildings on the Athens waterfront. Today, only a few structures remain.
Col. David Moore occupied the town with his pro-Union forces from July 24 to Oct. 31, 1861. On Aug. 5, Moore's force of under 500 men repelled Col. Martin Green's pro-South State Guard of about 2,000 men, who were trying to rescue the town from Union occupation.
Today, the historic site administers the remaining buildings in the town of Athens, including the Thome-Benning House, which was pierced by a cannonball during the battle. Exhibits and tours interpret the battle and the history of the town. The site also offers hiking trails, a lake for fishing, picnic sites, basic and electric campsites and more than a mile of frontage on the Des Moines River. |
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| Boating: |
| The boat launch, which allows for boat and canoe access to the ten-acre lake, is composed of gravel. Only electric trolling motors are allowed. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Battle of Athens State Historic Site - General Information - Missouri State Parks and Hist - Department of Natural Resources, Information concerning state parks and state historic sites in ... State Park Board and Battle of Athens State Park was born. In 1981, the site began hosting Civil ... | | The Civil War, Slavery, and Reconstruction in Missouri - The Civil War, Slavery, and Reconstruction in Missouri Bibliography by Gary Shearer Reference Librarian Pacific Union College Library 11-20-02 Reference | Books | Periodicals | Theses & Dissertations ... | | http://department.monm.edu/classics/AIA/1998-1999.htm - The Archaeological Institute of America Western Illinois Society. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1998-1999. Click on highlighted titles for lecture descriptions. "An Update on the Excavations at the... |
| Nature Programs: |
| Interpretive programs are offered at Battle of Athens State Historic Site for schools, groups and organizations. Off-site programs are also offered within a 60-mile radius of the historic site. Further distances within the state of Missouri are possible, dependent on staff schedules and the location. Please call (660) 877-3871 for more information or to schedule your group. |
| Directions: |
| From Jefferson City : Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 63 to Lancaster. Take U.S. Hwy. 136 east to Kahoka. Travel north on Hwy. 81 for ten miles then turn right/east onto Route CC and continue four miles to the historic site.
From Kansas City : Travel north on I-35 to Exit 54/U.S. Hwy. 36. Take U.S. Hwy. 36 east to Macon. Take U.S. Hwy. 63 north to Lancaster; turn right/east onto U.S. Hwy. 136. At Kahoka, take Hwy. 81 north for ten miles then turn right/east onto Route CC. Continue four miles to the historic site.
From Iowa : Take Hwy. 2 to Hwy. 81 south and continue six miles before turning east onto Route CC. Continue four miles to the historic site.
Location map for Battle of Athens State Historic Site. |
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