Missouri Democrat (Series 1)
Series 1 presents a collection of Civil War–era articles from the Missouri Democrat, a prominent pro-Union, anti-slavery newspaper published in the slave state of Missouri. Representing the views of Missouri’s Unconditional Unionists, the paper provides a vivid contemporary perspective on the political tensions and military events that marked the opening year of the war.
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These volumes include nearly every Civil War–related article published in the Missouri Democrat during 1861. Each article has been carefully transcribed and annotated with explanatory notes to clarify people, places, and events. Maps and illustrations help visualize the material, while a timeline keyed to the articles, a finding aid, and a comprehensive index make the collection easy to navigate for researchers and general readers alike.
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Links to purchase these volumes will be available below when they are released.
Volume 1: January - February 1861
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Volume 1 of Series 1 covers January and February 1861, a critical moment as Missouri faced the growing national crisis over secession. The volume opens with a December 1860 article addressing the central issue of the period: whether Missouri should hold a state convention to decide if it would remain in the Union or join the seceding Southern states. Debates in the press examine slavery, economic consequences, and political loyalty, while national developments—such as Major Robert Anderson’s Christmas 1860 move from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter—signal the approaching conflict that would erupt into war in April.
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A major theme throughout the volume is the rivalry between St. Louis’s two leading newspapers, the Missouri Democrat and the Missouri Republican, which sharply disagree over secession, federal authority, and the intentions of Governor Jackson. Articles, editorials, and letters to the editor reflect the intense political divisions of the period while also introducing individuals and organizations that would shape Missouri’s role in the conflict. Sidebars throughout the volume provide background on key topics including the Secession Convention, political factions, military organizations such as the Minute Men and Wide Awakes, and tensions surrounding the St. Louis Arsenal. The volume concludes with the opening of the Missouri State Convention in St. Louis on February 28, an event that would play a decisive role in Missouri’s struggle over Union and secession.
Volume 2: March-April 1861
Volume 2 covers March and April 1861, a period in which Missouri’s political tensions intensified as the nation moved closer to war. Debates in the state legislature continued over several controversial measures, including the transfer of control of the St. Louis police force to a board appointed by Governor Claiborne F. Jackson, a move widely criticized by Unionist newspapers. Meanwhile, the Missouri State Convention voted overwhelmingly on March 19 to remain in the Union, declaring that no adequate cause yet existed for Missouri to dissolve its connection with the United States.
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The volume also follows major national developments, including Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration on March 4 and the growing divide between Unionists and secessionists within Missouri politics. In April, attention increasingly turns to the strategic St. Louis Arsenal, where Captain Nathaniel Lyon prepared federal forces amid rumors of a possible seizure by secessionists. Events quickly escalate after Confederate forces fire on Fort Sumter on April 12, beginning the Civil War. Lincoln’s subsequent call for troops is rejected by Governor Jackson, while federal enlistments increase in St. Louis and secessionist activity rises elsewhere in the state, signaling that Missouri’s internal struggle over Union and secession is entering a decisive phase.
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Volume 3: May 1861
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Volume 3 covers May 1861, when Missouri’s political crisis deepened despite the State Convention’s recent vote to remain in the Union. Public debate continued over whether the state should secede, adopt armed neutrality, or remain firmly loyal to the Union. Unionist newspapers argued that “armed neutrality” was merely a step toward rebellion and warned that Governor Claiborne F. Jackson’s policies were designed to move Missouri gradually toward secession. Meanwhile, tensions escalated throughout the state as Union supporters reported harassment by secessionists, militia recruitment increased on both sides, and federal and state authorities maneuvered for control of strategic positions such as the St. Louis Arsenal. Union leaders including Frank P. Blair Jr., Franz Sigel, and others organized Home Guard units, while pro-Southern forces gathered at Camp Jackson near St. Louis.
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The crisis reached a turning point on May 10 when Captain Nathaniel Lyon surrounded Camp Jackson and forced the surrender of the Missouri Volunteer Militia under General Daniel Frost. As captured militiamen were marched through the city, violence erupted between civilians and Union troops, resulting in multiple deaths and intensifying political divisions. In the aftermath, the Missouri legislature passed the Military Bill, creating the Missouri State Guard under Sterling Price, while clashes, riots, and reports of persecution against Unionists spread across the state. Negotiations between General William S. Harney and Price briefly attempted to calm the situation, but distrust and continued military preparations ensured that Missouri’s internal conflict would soon expand into open warfare.
Volume 4: June 1861
Volume 4 covers June 1861, when Missouri’s political crisis turned openly into war. Debate over secession and “armed neutrality,” prominent in earlier months, gave way to open conflict as Governor Claiborne F. Jackson and leaders of the Missouri State Guard moved toward military resistance against federal authority. Unionist newspapers accused Jackson and his allies of preparing rebellion while professing loyalty, and reports circulated of militia recruitment, secessionist activity, and harassment of Union supporters across the state. Tensions culminated on June 11 when General Nathaniel Lyon met with Jackson and Sterling Price at the Planter’s House in St. Louis in a final attempt to reach a peaceful settlement. The negotiations failed, and the following day Jackson issued his war proclamation, calling out the state militia to resist what he described as federal “invasion.”
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Federal forces quickly responded. Lyon moved troops from the St. Louis Arsenal to secure key locations throughout Missouri and soon took control of Jefferson City without resistance, while Jackson and his supporters fled westward. Fighting soon followed, including the Battle of Boonville and the violence at Cole Camp, as well as other clashes and incidents that deepened divisions within the state. Articles in this volume also document political disputes between rival newspapers, accusations of treason against secessionist leaders, and the growing calls to remove Jackson and his government from power. By the end of June, Missouri had moved decisively from political crisis into active civil war.
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Volume 5: July 1861
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Volume 5 covers July 1861, as the conflict in Missouri expanded alongside the wider Civil War. At the start of the month the state was temporarily part of the Department of Ohio under Major General George B. McClellan, but on July 3 the War Department created the Western Department, soon placed under Major General John C. Fremont, who arrived in St. Louis later in the month. In the meantime, General Nathaniel Lyon effectively directed federal operations in Missouri while pursuing the forces of Governor Claiborne F. Jackson and the Missouri State Guard. Investigations into Jackson’s rebellion intensified, and testimony in the treason trial of secessionist editor Joseph W. Tucker included evidence linking Jackson directly to the insurrection. Federal authorities eventually suppressed the secessionist State Journal, further illustrating the increasingly polarized political climate.
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Meanwhile, military operations continued across the state. Lyon advanced into southwest Missouri, reaching Springfield in mid-July as both Union and secessionist forces gathered for what would soon become a major confrontation. The Missouri State Convention reconvened on July 22 in Jefferson City, where delegates took decisive steps to reorganize the state government and remove secessionist leadership. Articles in this volume also document key engagements—including the Battle of Carthage and several smaller skirmishes—along with biographies and reports highlighting the roles of Union commanders such as Lyon and Franz Sigel.
Volume 6: August 1861, Part 1
Volume 6, Part 1 covers the first half of August 1861, a period marked by escalating military activity across Missouri. Several engagements occurred during these weeks, including skirmishes at Edina and Potosi, the fight at Dug Springs, and most significantly the Battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield on August 10. Much of the material in this volume focuses on the movements of Union and Confederate forces leading up to these encounters and the reports that followed them. At Wilson’s Creek, Union General Nathaniel Lyon led an outnumbered force against Confederate and Missouri State Guard troops and was killed in the fighting, becoming the first Union general killed in the Civil War.
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At the same time, Missouri’s political landscape continued to shift. Following the removal of secessionist officials by the Missouri State Convention, Hamilton R. Gamble assumed office as provisional governor on August 1 and pledged to restore peace while protecting the rights of loyal citizens. Meanwhile, Governor Claiborne F. Jackson and Confederate allies continued to issue proclamations calling for resistance against federal authority. As the fighting intensified, martial law was declared in St. Louis, Union forces reorganized under new leadership, and federal authorities worked to stabilize the state amid growing violence and uncertainty.
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Volume 6: August 1861, Part 2
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Volume 6, Part 2 covers the latter half of August 1861, following the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Much of the discussion in this volume centers on Lyon’s legacy, with numerous articles honoring his service and describing the arrangements for the return of his remains to Connecticut. At the same time, debate begins over responsibility for the Union defeat and Lyon’s death, with criticism directed at the War Department and delays in sending reinforcements. Meanwhile, tensions in St. Louis continued as military authorities tightened control of the city, including the arrest of leading officials and increasing restrictions under the authority of Provost Marshal Justus McKinstry.
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Military activity across Missouri also intensified. Skirmishes occurred in several regions of the state as Union Home Guards, federal troops, and Confederate-aligned forces maneuvered for control of strategic towns and transportation routes. Reports describe fighting in northern and southeastern Missouri, attacks on rail lines, and efforts by both sides to organize and reinforce their forces. Provisional Governor Hamilton R. Gamble called for tens of thousands of volunteers to restore order, while Union commanders—including Ulysses S. Grant—took steps to suppress secessionist activity. The month ended with Major General John C. Frémont declaring martial law across Missouri, marking another major escalation in the struggle for control of the state.
Volume 7: September 1861
Volume 7 covers September 1861, a month marked by controversy over Major General John C. Fremont’s declaration of martial law in Missouri. Much of the discussion centers on the provisions of the order, particularly those related to the confiscation of property and the emancipation of slaves belonging to rebels. The measure sparked widespread debate, prompting President Abraham Lincoln to modify key provisions and limit its scope. Meanwhile, political tensions within the Union command intensified as disagreements arose among federal officers and civilian leaders, including a public dispute between Fremont and Congressman Frank P. Blair Jr. Investigations by representatives of Lincoln’s administration further fueled speculation about Fremont’s leadership of the Western Department.
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Military operations continued throughout the region during the month. Confederate and Missouri State Guard forces carried out raids and attacks on transportation lines, while Union forces maneuvered to secure strategic locations across the state. Engagements included the Action at Blue Mills Landing and the Battle of Lexington, both significant events in the struggle for control of Missouri. The volume also documents broader developments in the western theater, including Confederate moves into Kentucky and federal responses along the Mississippi River, reflecting the growing scale of the conflict beyond Missouri’s borders.
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Volume 8: October 1861
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Volume 8 covers October 1861, as Missouri remained a major battleground in the western theater of the Civil War. Provisional Governor Hamilton R. Gamble worked to organize state forces while Union and Confederate armies maneuvered across the region. Political controversy also continued over the leadership of Major General John C. Fremont, whose command of the Western Department came under increasing scrutiny from Washington. Debates over his policies and performance intensified throughout the month, while federal officials—including Secretary of War Simon Cameron—visited Missouri amid growing rumors that Fremont would soon be removed from command.
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Meanwhile, military operations continued across the state as Union forces pursued Major General Sterling Price and his Missouri State Guard. Reports described troop movements, raids on transportation lines, and a series of engagements throughout Missouri, including the Battle of Fredericktown and several smaller actions. The volume also revisits earlier events such as the battles of Wilson’s Creek, Lexington, and Blue Mills, while documenting ongoing political disputes and military developments shaping the conflict in the region. By the end of October, tensions remained high as Union commanders attempted to regain control of Missouri and reorganize their forces for the next phase of the war.
Volume 9: November 1861
Volume 9 covers November 1861 and the dramatic leadership changes within the Union command in Missouri. Much of the discussion centers on the removal of Major General John C. Fremont from command of the Western Department. Although Fremont relinquished command on November 2 and was replaced by Major General David Hunter, the controversy surrounding his removal continued to dominate public debate. Articles examine the report of Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, which criticized Fremont’s administration and spending practices, while numerous editorials and letters challenge the report and defend the former commander. The debate reflects the deep political divisions surrounding the Union war effort in Missouri.
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Meanwhile, the Union command structure continued to evolve. Lieutenant General Winfield Scott retired and Major General George B. McClellan assumed overall command of the U.S. Army, while Major General Henry W. Halleck later took charge of the newly created Department of the Missouri. Halleck quickly introduced stricter discipline and administrative reforms as Union forces reorganized. The volume also documents ongoing military operations in the region, including the Battle of Belmont and further reports on earlier engagements such as Wilson’s Creek and Fredericktown. Together these developments illustrate the continued military and political struggle to secure Missouri for the Union.
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Volume 10: December 1861
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Volume 10 covers December 1861, as the Civil War in Missouri continued through military operations, political debates, and guerrilla activity across the state. Much of the discussion centers on Confederate-aligned forces under Major General Sterling Price, whose proclamations calling for large numbers of volunteers drew criticism and ridicule from Unionist newspapers. At the same time, Union commander Major General Henry W. Halleck began organizing broader military operations while strengthening security measures throughout Missouri, including policies aimed at controlling secessionist activity and aiding Union refugees driven from their homes.
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The volume also reflects continuing debate over the earlier removal of Major General John C. Fremont, whose supporters continued to defend his leadership even after his departure from Missouri. Meanwhile, violence across the state persisted through raids, railroad sabotage, and attacks by irregular forces. Reports describe refugees fleeing rebel activity, Union efforts to restore order, and preparations for larger military campaigns. Engagements such as the Battle of Salem, the Skirmish at Blackwater Creek, and the Battle of Mount Zion Church illustrate the ongoing struggle for control of Missouri as the war was about to enter its second year.