Benton Barracks

Benton Barracks, Parade March Poster, 1862

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(Unidentified African American Union soldier with a rifle and revolver in front of painted backdrop showing weapons and American flag at Benton Barracks, Saint Louis, Missouri) (LOC) (5229147154)

Benton Barracks was a significant military encampment and hospital located in St. Louis, Missouri during the American Civil War. It served as a training camp, a hospital, and a logistical hub for the Union Army.

History

Benton Barracks was established in 1861, shortly after the outbreak of the American Civil War. The site was chosen due to its strategic location near the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis, which was a major transportation and supply center. The barracks were named in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a prominent Missouri senator.

Facilities

The barracks covered a vast area and included numerous buildings such as barracks for soldiers, stables, warehouses, and a large hospital. The hospital at Benton Barracks was one of the largest military hospitals of the Civil War, capable of accommodating thousands of patients. It played a crucial role in treating wounded soldiers from various battles, including the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Vicksburg.

Military Significance

Benton Barracks served as a training ground for many Union regiments. Soldiers received basic training and were organized into units before being deployed to various fronts. The barracks also functioned as a supply depot, where equipment, food, and other necessities were stored and distributed to troops in the field.

Post-War Use

After the Civil War, Benton Barracks continued to be used for military purposes for a short period. However, as the need for such a large facility diminished, the barracks were eventually dismantled. The land was repurposed for other uses, and today, little remains of the original site.

Legacy

Benton Barracks is remembered as a vital component of the Union war effort. It exemplifies the logistical and medical challenges faced during the Civil War and the efforts made to address them. The site is commemorated in various historical records and is an important part of St. Louis's Civil War heritage.

Related Pages

• American Civil War
• Union Army
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Thomas Hart Benton (politician)
• Battle of Shiloh
• Battle of Vicksburg