Battle of Carthage State Historic Site

Magic Robot

This is a great little park. Its not too big, or too small, just right. If you are looking to keep kids entertained for hours then this is not the place. If you have limited abilities but would still like a park not covered in sidewalks or paved paths then this is fantastic. I am only good to walk about a quarter mile or so without a a break, with little or no elevation change. This is perfect for that. Its lush and pretty and quiet and a nice way to get a little walk in.

Karen Rogers

As I sat in the parking area of what is now a pretty, tranquil park, I tried to envision the fighting that was being fought at this place. I felt that it was worth the stop. Not a lot of markers and the like around by way of explaining the fight, just a board with explanation. Most of what I learned was from Google. Interesting though.

Michelle Goff

Easy to find historical site in the town of Carthage. I visited in December so had no issues with bugs as others reported. The trail goes up by the spring and crosses over the top of rock outcroppings. Pretty walk. Easy enough for families but would advise that there are no railings for safety if you have very small children. It loops back across the lawn, and depending on water flow, you may have to contend with a wet crossing at the far end. The site was not trashed up, but there are no trash cans, so pack out trash to preserve the beauty. There are also no facilities of any kind but a couple of picnic tables that would be shady in the summer. The open lawn might be a fun spot for a game of frisbee though!

semper crescis

Jason's Travel Log, stardate 1237.101 rounded to the nearest thousandth. Stopped by the Carthage War site in Carthage MO. Not much too it, apparently there is a cave somewhere, but it's pretty basic. Three boards, a patch of cut grass, and a small parking lot. The Battle of Carthage, or Battle of Dry Fork, happened very early on in the civil war and was one of the first battles after Lincoln declared War Power. It's the only battle in US history where a, then standing, state governor (Jackson, Missouri Governor) lead confederate troops against the union. Although only a small percentage died, it was declared a win for the south and helped with recruiting forces to join the South. Although union forces were outnumbered 6 to 1, they killed more than 4 to 1. They retreated and fought and left pretty much unscathed.