The
towns of Pilot Knob, Ironton and Arcadia are rich in Civil War
lore. Because of its strategic importance as the southern terminus
of the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, Union soldiers
occupied Pilot Knob and the Arcadia Valley throughout the war.
Fort Davidson, the target of the Battle of Pilot Knob in 1864,
is a hexagonal earthwork constructed by the Union Army and stands
300 yards from the base of Pilot Knob Mountain. The assault on
Fort Davidson by Confederate troops left 1,500 soldiers dead or
wounded. The fort and site are listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. Every third year a full-scale re-enactment
of the Battle of Pilot Knob is staged, attracting tens of thousands
of spectators to the Valley. Be sure to make your plans now to
attend.
Fort
Davidson State Historic Site serves as a memorial to those who
gave their lives on the battlefield, and the Visitor's Center
provides detailed information about the battle through the use
of artifacts, a diorama, and film. Additionally, a self-guided
driving tour around the Arcadia Valley directs visitors to some
of the most significant points on the battlefields. Each stop
is marked by a red granite monument. Maps for this tour are available
at Fort Davidson State Historic Site.
