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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Lexington Monument Dedication




On September 26, 2009, members of Phelps Camp proudly dedicated a monument to the Union defenders of Lexington, Missouri. Missouri and Illinois volunteers commanded by Colonel James A. Mulligan stubbornly defended the Lexington garrison from September 12-20, 1861. Representatives from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and Congressman Ike Skelton spoke at the dedication. Several members of Holmes Brigade, a prominent reenacting unit, served in the color guard. The monument was erected near the Union entrenchments at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.

Attendees were privileged to meet Mr. David Luff, a descendant of George Palmer. Palmer, a musician in the 1st Illinois Cavalry, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on September 20. He led a charge which drove Confederate sharpshooters away from the Anderson House, a Union hospital. Mr. Luff generously displayed Palmer’s Medal of Honor and a Union flag he rescued.

With this long term project complete, Phelps Camp eagerly looks forward to new activities which will honor the services of Union soldiers.






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