Fortress City: Uncovering the Civil War Defenses of Cape Girardeau
During the heat of the Civil War, Cape Girardeau was transformed into a vital “Fortress City.” To protect this crucial river port, Union forces engineered a sophisticated network of four distinct earthwork fortifications—Forts A, B, C, and D. But how were these fortifications built, and were they truly the strategic masterstroke the Union claimed them to be?
The Stoddard County Historical Society and the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library are proud to invite you to an evening of architectural and military discovery. We are thrilled to host our featured speaker, Dr. Adam Criblez, Interim Chair of the Department of History and Anthropology at Southeast Missouri State University, who will lead us through the fascinating history of these earthworks.
What You’ll Explore
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Engineering the Defense: Discover the grit and labor behind the construction of Forts A, B, C, and D.
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Strategic Necessity: Learn why Cape Girardeau’s geography made it a high-priority target for both Union and Confederate forces.
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Legacy in Earth: Examine what remains of these fortifications today and how they shaped the city we know.
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM
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Admission: FREE and open to the public!
Whether you are a Civil War enthusiast or a local history fan, we invite you to see our landscape through the eyes of a Civil War engineer. We encourage you to arrive early to browse our latest exhibits before the presentation begins.