Fall Getaway

On a recent little autumn getaway, we were able to visit a historic site in north central MO and learn about General John James Pershing. Who was he?  Black Jack, as he was known, was the highest ranked military person in United States history…and that includes Washington, Lee and Grant. Serving in the Army, he was commander general of the US Armies in WW 1 and held that title for 10 years. General Pershing was the only six star general in history.  

Born in 1860, he was the oldest of nine children. He and his family lived in this home in Laclede, MO for a good part of his childhood after having moved to town for his father to operate a general store.

The home, school and grounds are now operated as part of MO State Parks where visitors may go free of charge (donations are accepted). 

As is the case with everything, modifications are in place making visits safe, per COVID guidelines. Signs, high touch surfaces, etc. are frequently disinfected. Group sizes are limited and rather than staff-led tours, new informational signs are in place allowing guests to self-explore.  It worked very well and by our being there during a week day, we had the place to ourselves, aside from a few park staff members working outdoors. These pictures were taken inside the Pershing home. Most of the furnishings are original.

 

Before attending West Point Academy, Pershing taught at Prairie Mound School about 10 miles from home. Although only 19 years old, he managed to instruct 45 students who ranged in age from six to 21 in the one room classroom. His paycheck was between $30-$40 a month. Today the school contains an excellent museum which is well presented and highly informational. In more recent years, the school was moved to the grounds where it has become an important part of the historic site.

Throughout his life, Pershing always considered Laclede to be his home and was enthusiastically welcomed whenever he returned. After retiring from the military in 1924, he chaired the American Battle Monuments Commissions. That agency established cemeteries, memorials and monuments honoring the American Expeditionary Force. A memorial garden is part of the Pershing grounds. A statue of Black Jack is on display, surrounded by walls of honor. General John Pershing passed away in 1948 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

It was lovely autumn weather for the day of our visit to the historic site. Route 36 runs across our state and is known as "The Way of the American Genius" since several notable people have lived along this stretch running from St. Joseph to Hannibal. Jesse James, J.C. Penney, Walt Disney, General Pershing and Mark Twain are all highlighted. During little trips we have enjoyed stops associated with all but Jesse James so far and plan to incorporate his home into a future excursion. Along the way, MO offers many beautiful state parks and historic sites. They are all great experiences, particularly in this pretty season.

I hope that you are able to get outdoors and enjoy 

some fall weather!