Four Forts, One Mission: Protecting Cape Girardeau
In the heat of the Civil War, Cape Girardeau was transformed into a “Fortress City.” To protect this vital river port, Union forces engineered a sophisticated network of four distinct earthwork fortifications—Forts A, B, C, and D. But how were they built, and were they truly the strategic masterstroke the Union claimed them to be?
Join the Stoddard County Historical Society at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library for an evening of architectural and military discovery.
Our Featured Speaker
We are thrilled to host Dr. Adam Criblez, Professor of History and Interim Chair of the Department of History and Anthropology at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). As a versatile historian whose expertise spans 19th-century American culture, modern sports, and regional history, Dr. Criblez will lead us through the fascinating history of these earthworks—from their initial design to their role in regional defense.
What You’ll Explore
- Engineering the Defense: The grit and labor behind the construction of Forts A, B, C, and D.
- Strategic Necessity: Why Cape Girardeau’s geography made it a high-priority target for both sides.
- Legacy in Earth: What remains of these fortifications today and how they shaped the region.
Event Details
- 🗓 Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
- 📍 Location: The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library
- 🎟 Admission: Free and open to the public!
Don’t miss this chance to see our local landscape through the eyes of a Civil War engineer. We’ll see you there!