During the Civil War there were a string of fortifications in southern Missouri. This network of forts included large earth fortifications in Cape Giradeau, Pilot Knob, and Rolla. Beyond these, to the south, existed smaller earthworks or redoubts in places like Bloomfield, Patterson, and Ellington. In fact, these fortifications seem to have stretched across the entire southern portion of the state. They were strategically placed to protect Missouri from Confederate invasions that would come out of Arkansas. At least a few of these earthworks are still extant. They sit in various places some waiting to be discovered, others under the care of various groups or individuals. Patterson's Fort (a.k.a. Ft. Benton) sits atop a hill overlooking a small town in obscure woods; Ellington's sits on public land in a state of secrecy, and what is left of the one in Bloomfield forms a boundry between private land and what was once the town dump.
For over ten years the site at Patterson has been under the care of a small historical society. With few volunteers and little funding they have worked valliantly to preserve this valuable piece of history. Just thirty miles to the west is a redoubt, outside Ellington. Protected by its obscurity, sits a piece of Missouri's Civil War history waiting to be discovered. The dream of preserving the history at both sites has been accomplished by a few individuals. Proceeds from Marmaduke's Raid will go towards their cause.
Click on the links below to see pictures of these sites.