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Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, Missouri

Nature & parks
In Carthage, Missouri
0.5 mi from Route 66

This state historic site in Carthage, MO, protects a piece of ground where fighting took place during the Battle of Carthage in 1861, among the first clashes of the American Civil War and a Confederate victory. The 7.4-acre property belongs to the State of Missouri, which bought it in 1990. It is only a few blocks from Route 66, so it is an easy history stop in town.

What is Battle of Carthage State Historic Site?

The site is a modest, open piece of land rather than a large battlefield park. It covers 7.4 acres and preserves one of the spots where skirmishing took place during the battle.

Its small size is part of its character: it marks one chapter of a bigger fight that spread across the Carthage area, and it lets visitors stand on ground connected to the war's opening months. It is listed as wheelchair accessible.

History of Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

The Battle of Carthage was fought in 1861, early in the Civil War, and it ended as a win for the Confederate side. Missouri acquired this piece of the battleground in 1990, and it is now run by Missouri's Department of Natural Resources as part of the state parks system.

For Route 66 travellers, it is a reminder that the towns along the highway carry stories far older than the road itself.

Visiting Battle of Carthage State Historic Site: tips

Allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk the grounds and take in the setting. Read up on the battle before you come; knowing the story makes the quiet field far more meaningful. Food, fuel and a motel are all within about three-quarters of a mile.

Carthage makes it easy to link several stops. The Carthage Courthouse Square Historic District is about 0.7 mile away, the Carthage South Historic District about 0.8 mile, and the Boots Motel about 1 mile. A short loop can take in the battle site, the courthouse square and the Boots in one afternoon.

Practical info

Address: 1111 E Chestnut St, Carthage, MO 64836
Phone: +1 417-682-2279
Website: mostateparks.com/park/battle-carthage-state-historic-site
Hours: We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

On the map

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Battle of Carthage State Historic Site with the 6 closest stops. Tap a marker for details.

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Stops near Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

All of Missouri

Carthage Courthouse Square Historic District

Carthage, Missouri · 0.1 mi from Route 66

Downtown Carthage's historic square: 42 old commercial buildings gathered around the county courthouse.

Historic districtPhoto credit

0.7 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Carthage South Historic District

Carthage, Missouri · 0.6 mi from Route 66

Hundreds of Victorian and Craftsman homes, churches and a 1904 library fill this Carthage neighborhood.

Historic buildingPhoto credit

0.8 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Boots Motel

Carthage, Missouri · on Route 66

A 1939 streamline motor court in Carthage with black glass trim, green neon and a carport for every room.

Retro roadsidePhoto credit

1.0 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Cassill Place Historic District

Carthage, Missouri · 0.2 mi from Route 66

A tiny Carthage enclave of eight Victorian and Craftsman homes built between the 1890s and the 1920s.

Historic buildingPhoto credit

1.3 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

66 Drive-In

Carthage, Missouri · 0.1 mi from Route 66

A 1949 drive-in theater on Route 66 near Carthage that still shows movies under the stars.

Retro roadsidePhoto credit

3.9 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Phelps Country Estate

Carthage, Missouri · 3.6 mi from Route 66

A turn-of-the-century country estate near Carthage, its main house built of local Carthage marble.

Historic buildingPhoto credit

6.3 mi from Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Questions about Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

What happened at the Battle of Carthage?

It was an 1861 battle, one of the first of the Civil War, and it ended in a Confederate victory. This site preserves one of the places where skirmishing took place.

Who manages the site?

The State of Missouri owns it, and Missouri's Department of Natural Resources manages it.

Own or run Battle of Carthage State Historic Site? Send us a photo or a correction.

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