The Story Behind the Statue | Union Soldier Monument | Perryville, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

Union Soldier Monument in Perryville, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog. Today's stop is a statue I came across on a walk with my family in downtown Perryville, Missouri. Here we came across a monument for the Union Soldiers of Perry County, Missouri. The inscription reads "In memory of Perry County's Union Soldiers of the Civil War 1861-1865" and below that, "Erected by the Sons of Veterans and Auxiliary 1923". 

    Perry County played an important role in the American Civil War. The diary of Perry County resident Archibald Little Hager tells us that on June 11th, 1861, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was ordered by the Department of War to enlist Missouri's "loyal citizens" to defend against the border state's pro-Southern cause. The following day, June 12th, 1861, there was a muster at the small community of Conrad's Mill in southern Perry County in which 71 men joined the Perry County Home Guard. 

    Conrad's Mill is located in Southern Perry County just about a mile north of the Bollinger County line on the old Greenville Road. Also in 1861, Camp Greason, sometimes called Camp Grayson, was established near Conrad's Mill as a Union training camp. Today, a cemetery called Campground Cemetery is one of the few traces left of wartime in the area. 

    Conrad's Mill derives its name from Columbus Conrad, who built a flour mill in the area sometime around 1856. However, the community's name would later be changed to Millheim, which remains today. Many who pass through Millheim today likely aren't aware of the hamlet's deep history, and role in Perry County's contribution to the Civil War. 

    Next time you pass the Perryville courthouse, tip your hat to the monument of the Union Solider standing guard in the yard. He represents all of those that put it all on the line to ensure our freedom, equality, and democracy. Think of the men that spent time at Camp Greason, and the men that signed their name on the dotted line when duty called at Conrad's Mill. We have them to thank for the United States as we know it today.