This Park was almost a location for Civil War battle. Fortunately is wasn't!
The Civil War touched Jefferson City in less devastating terms than more eastern states. Yet authentic sites and historical footnotes are rich in the Capital City. The greatest of these likely is “The Battle That Never Was,” when Confederate Gen. Sterling Price led a raid from Arkansas to the city’s outskirts intent on reclaiming the capital in October 1864. Gov. Claiborne Jackson had been elected in 1860, but because he was a southern sympathizer, the Union troops from St. Louis chased him out of the state, making him the governor-in-exile. For that term, Missouri had two governors, with the provisional government appointed by state convention. Price left Pocahontas, Ark., on Sept. 19, 1864, headed for St. Louis. But, his momentum and numbers were crushed at the Battle of Pilot Knob in southeast Missouri while also receiving word St. Louis had been fortified. Yet he continued toward Jefferson City, the goal being to reinstate the Confederate government before the November election. Thomas Reynolds, who was elected lieutenant governor in 1860, rode with Price, since they believed him to be the true constitutional governor after Jackson died in 1862. Leading about 2,000 troops, Price arrived on the outskirts of Jefferson City to find the Union soldiers heavily occupied here. Instead of moving from there into what would have been an arduous military attempt, he turned his focus to the west.
This park still has a few trenchs from this battle.
This cache is approved by the Jeff City Parks Department and in keeping with Jefferson City's park geocaching policy, out of towners are encouraged to mention where they're from when they post their online find logs. The city would like to know who is visiting their parks. For more information about Jeff City’s cacher friendly geocaching policy click "http://www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/parks/outdoor_activities/parks/geocaching.php"