The Spirit
of the
Civil War
Lexington, Missouri
October 27
A full day
of living history
Skirmishes,
Marches & Charges
Haunted Hospital &
Trolley Tour
Civil War High Tea
& Fashion Show
The Spirit of the Civil War, a living history event filled with the spirit of the season in Lexington, October 27th.
Gain an experience of a lifetime and a glimpse of the days of the Civil War. The streets of Lexington will be filled with troops, gunshots echoing through the heart of town, and ladies in full period dress. Our preserved main streets and historical districts provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling day immersed in Lexington’s Civil War heritage.
Schedule of Events
7 am to 10 am
Breakfast at the Margaret Gray Center, 811 S. Hwy 13,
$7/plate.
10 am
The March of the Troops through Town, Skirmishes and Sounds of Battle
Lexington was the site for the largest battle in the western campaign of the Civil War, known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales. The town was the battlefield as the Southern troops advanced on Union-controlled Lexington. Watch the confederate troops struggle to advance as the Northern Army push them back in head-to-head skirmishes. The sounds of battle will echo through the heart of Lexington, just as it did on those fateful days in September of 1861.
Free
CLICK HERE to download a map of The March of the Troops
11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Activities at The LEX: Local Farmers Wares, Children’s Art Activity, Music and a Chili Lunch
The LEX is the social hub of Lexington once more! Stop in for a delicious bowl of chili and other yummy goods; along with fun for the entire family.
The LEX
111 S. 11th Street
1-2 pm
Speeches and Political Rally on Courthouse Steps
The political climate was fierce in Lexington before, during and after the Civil War. Passion-filled soap box speeches and rallies were the way to communicate in those days. Experience the drama that occupied the nation.
Free
Lafayette County Courthouse
1001 Main Street
2-4 pm
Ladies’ Tea and Fashion Show
Dresses have always been captivating, even throughout the Civil War. High Tea was the time to adorn your very best in dress, grace and manners. Join these beautiful ladies as they sit for tea and demonstrate authentic fashion. You’ll get a sip of what it might have been like to be a lady in the days of the Civil War.
Free
P & H Event Center
1111 Main Street
2-4 pm
Encampments Open for Tour
The troops, Confederate and Union alike, lived in rough and rugged conditions throughout the years of the Civil War. Their amenities were limited to what they could carry on their backs. Take a tour of the camps to see for yourself what life was like as a soldier during the Civil War.
Free
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
1101 Delaware Street
4 pm
The Siege of the Anderson House
The Anderson House was utilized as the hospital during the Battle of the Hemp Bales and seized by both sides. Experience the drama as the Union troops implement the siege to displace the home guard. You’ll understand why the Anderson House still wears the wounds of War.
Free
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
1101 Delaware Street
4:30-until gone
Follow the delicious aromas to your BBQ Dinner, just outside The Heist.
Award Winning Smoked BBQ, prepared by Johnson's BBQ. Enjoy your meal as you stroll through town to the Saluda Memora exhibit or bring your meal inside The Heist and appreciate the music of Beam & Eads at 6pm.
The Heist
827 Main Street
6-9 pm
Saluda Memorial Station &
Lexington Historical Museum Open
Travel by steamboat was an efficient method of transportation, but it wasn’t without risk. Lexington saw the worst steamboat accident in Missouri history in 1852 when the boilers on the Saluda exploded. Hear the chilling account for yourself from re-enactors who keep the story alive! The Lexington Historical Museum will feature a special Civil War Surgeon’s exhibit. Located at 112 South 13th Street
Free
Saluda Memorial Station located at Heritage Park, 1222 Franklin
5:30-10 pm
Anderson House Hospital Tour with Trolley Transportation
CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets
The historic Anderson House is transformed into a hospital, just as it was during the Battle of Lexington in the Civil War. We’ll bring the haunting stories of days past to life once more. Lanterns light the way on this thrilling guided tour. We’ll provide transportation via Minnie Mae, Lexington’s new trolley. She’ll make a stop at the Saluda Memorial for a chilling account of an early steamboat traveler.
$15 per person, 20 maximum tickets available per half hour timeslot. CLICK HERE to purchase online.
Parking for the Anderson House Hospital Tour will be at the Lexington City parking lot located behind the buildings at 10th & Main Street. The trolley runs every 30 minutes. Be ready for departure 30 minutes prior to your Anderson House tour start time. The first group leaves the parking lot at 5:30 pm for their 6 pm Anderson House tour.
6:00 pm until close
Live Music and Adult Halloween Party at The Heist.
Beam & Eads at 6pm. At the conclusion of your Anderson House Hospital Tour come to the Heist, which will transformed into an Adult Halloween Costume Party.
The Heist
827 Main Street
Information Booth
The LEX, Lexington’s Municipal Auditorium, is open all day for event and general information.
The LEX
111 S. 11th Street
Lexington Tourism Bureau
111 S. 11th St. • Lexington, MO 64067 • 816-868-9692 • Email us