The Birth of Benton Barracks in Civil War–Era St. Louis
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, the Union Army needed major training facilities across the western states. One of the most important became Benton Barracks, a sprawling 150-acre military complex located five miles northeast of downtown St. Louis—well outside the city limits at the time.
Before the military arrived, the property served as the fairgrounds for the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association, home to state expos and large public gatherings.
General John C. Frémont Chooses the Site
In 1861, Major General John C. Frémont, commander of the Western Department of War, surveyed land around St. Louis for a large-scale training base. He selected property owned by John O’Fallon, leasing it for $150 per year and naming the barracks in honor of his late father-in-law, Senator Thomas Hart Benton.
Building a Military City: Life Inside Benton Barracks
A 30,000-Soldier Training Ground
Benton Barracks quickly grew into a full-fledged military city with:
Housing for up to 30,000 soldiers
Administration buildings
Cavalry stables
Warehouses and sheds
Kitchens and supply stations
A two-story headquarters building
A massive parade ground for drills
Historian J. Thomas Scharf later described the barracks as perfectly engineered for military life—level terrain, excellent drainage, long rows of well-ventilated barracks, and bunks for 100 men every 70 feet.
One of the Largest Military Hospitals in the West
After the Battle of Lexington in Missouri, the Union desperately needed a large western hospital. Benton Barracks converted the former fairground amphitheater into a 3,000-bed military hospital, making it the largest military hospital west of the Mississippi.
Its administrator, Emily Elizabeth Parsons, was a pioneering nurse known for discipline, organization, and compassionate care.
Civilian Evacuation and Tightened Military Control
In September 1861, General Samuel R. Curtis took command. He expanded military authority to cover a one-mile radius, forcing all civilians living within that distance to move. The bustling cluster of saloons, restaurants, and small businesses that had sprung up around the camp was dismantled for security reasons.
A Hub for Training, Recruitment, and Refuge
Throughout the Civil War, Benton Barracks served multiple critical purposes:
Training center for new volunteer regiments
Recruitment station for Missouri Union troops
Refugee camp, especially for those displaced by conflict
Temporary command post for notable Civil War leaders
Even Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman briefly served as commander of the barracks before returning to field command.
Numerous Missouri Union regiments formed here, passing through the complex on their way to campaigns throughout the Midwest and South.
Benton Barracks and the United States Colored Troops
Training Grounds for Formerly Enslaved Soldiers
Following the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, African Americans were officially allowed to enlist in the Union Army.
Benton Barracks became a major training site for these troops:
3,700 formerly enslaved men from Missouri trained here
Additional regiments included the 62nd, 65th, 67th, and 68th United States Colored Troops (USCT)
These units went on to fight in key battles and campaigns, contributing significantly to the Union victory.
After the War: From Military Camp to Fairgrounds Park
By September 1865, the military dismantled the barracks and returned the land to the O’Fallon family. The grounds reverted to civilian use—fairgrounds, racetracks, and eventually public recreational areas.
What Stands There Today
Although nothing physical remains of the Civil War–era buildings, the land lives on as Fairgrounds Park, a beloved community space in North St. Louis.
Final Thoughts
Though short-lived, Benton Barracks played an enormous role in the Civil War—training tens of thousands of soldiers, providing lifesaving medical care, and serving as a crucial site for the United States Colored Troops. Its legacy continues through the stories of the men and women who passed through its grounds on their journey to reshape the nation.
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Until next time—I’ll see you in the Lou.