I wish to start off by thanking the United States Army ROTC program and Department Heads Lieutenant Colonels Malcolm Wallace, Eric Overby, Robert Boone and Eugene Snyman for providing me the opportunity to teach leadership and military history to Army ROTC cadets and students at the University of Missouri and Illinois State University.
I am indebted to Jerry Morelock, longtime editor-in-chief of the popular military history magazine Armchair General, who provided me with the concept for compiling a historical guide about the Civil War events that took place in Missouri.
I want to thank Barbara Huddleston, director of the Callaway County Historical Society, for providing access to the historical society’s library, where we initially began our research. Local Callaway County historian Martin Northway was an important influence on recognizing the rich heritage that exists in learning the story of the Civil War and its impact on so many local towns and communities in Missouri.
I could not have gained an appreciation for the wealth of Civil War history in St. Louis without the enthusiastic support of St. Louis resident and my navigator Nathan Griffin, as well as John Maurath, director of the Missouri Civil War Museum at Jefferson Barracks.
Obviously, this book could not have been completed without the enthusiastic support and patience of the staff at The History Press, particularly Ben Gibson and Ryan Finn.
Finally, I praise the unselfish, enthusiastic support and encouragement of my wife, Virginia, and our two sons, Brian and Robert.
—WHIT MCCOSKRIE
I would like to thank Danielle Kilmer for lending her time and talent to the maps included in this book. I want also to acknowledge the people of the state of Missouri for embracing this California transplant and for exposing me to so much of your state’s wonderful and rich history.
—BRIAN WARREN