Jackson County, Missouri

First Battle of Independence

By Russell S. Perkins, University of Saint Mary

The First Battle of Independence, Missouri, was fought on August 11, 1862, between the 350 men of the outnumbered federal garrison of Independence and nearly 800 mounted Confederates who were recruiting in the eastern portions of Jackson County. While the federal defense was fierce throughout the day, their efforts were hampered by poor reconnaissance and battlefield conduct against Confederates engaged in both regular warfare and guerrilla depredations. By the end of the day, federal forces under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James T. Buel conditionally surrendered themselves and the city to Colonel Gideon W. Thompson.

District of the Border Headquarters

The Pacific House Hotel opened near the present-day City market in Kansas City in 1860, just prior to the beginning of the Civil War. In 1863, it became the District of the Border headquarters.

Camp Union

In 1857, construction began on the Broadway Hotel, but the coming of the Civil War prompted the Union Army to board over the construction site and use it as a cavalry barracks and "Camp Union" garrison.