Thousands of visitors expected at anniversary of Civil War battle

Thousands of spectators are expected in Boonville, Mo. this weekend for the 150th anniversary of one of the Civil War’s first battles.

The Battle of Boonville took place June 17, 1861 as Confederate-leaning Missouri Guard members met Union troops.

Boonville, a town of about 6,400 is expecting 700 re-enactors and 10,000 to 20,000 visitors.

Deborah Marshall is with the Boonville Civil War Commission.

“For us to have an event like this in a town of our size is just amazing, and we’re just thrilled and hope that people can come and learn a lot about their own history and really the impact of what Boonville was to the whole Civil War,” Marshall said.

The brief skirmish left only a few dead but was of great strategic importance as the Missouri River remained in Union hands.

The re-enacted battles will take place at 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.