This article is presented in partnership with Visit Lexington.
Stroll down a main street in Lexington’s historic district on an average day, and you’re likely to feel as though you’re stepping back in time. Thanks to the town’s preservation, the architecture and surroundings give visitors a sense of what the town was like when it was first established.
That sensation will be taken to the next level on October 27, when Spirit of the Civil War, a community living history event will truly transform downtown Lexington into its 19th century look and feel. Serving as both a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington—one of the most auspicious conflicts west of the Mississippi throughout the Civil War—and a community fall festival, this event has attractions that will delight visitors of every stripe.
Visitors will get an authentic glimpse of the days of the Civil War. The streets of Lexington will be filled with troops, political speeches on the steps of the Lafayette County Courthouse, gunshots echoing through the heart of Lexington, and ladies in full period dress.
History buffs know the significance of the Battle of Lexington, also known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales, but for the uninitiated, this was the high point of Sterling Price’s campaign to capture Missouri. “This was [Price’s] finest victory,” says event chair Chris Fritsche. The event aims to both educate visitors about the history and give them a feel of what civilian life in occupied Lexington was like. The experience that citizens of the town endured—soldiers skirmishing in the streets and gunshots ringing out in close quarters—was one experienced by many in Civil War era America.
The event will also include a farmers market where visitors will have a chance to purchase fresh products from farmers in one of Missouri’s largest agricultural growing and production regions. Other highlights will include Civil War inspired youth crafts, music, a period dress fashion show and ladies’ tea, plus visit with re-enactors in military camps, along the streets.
This year will be Spirit of the Civil War’s first, but the town aims to make it an annual event. “Our goal is to recreate this every year, but not just tell the same story,” says Chris.
Fans of living history who are looking to get into the Halloween spirit will also find a thrill during the Haunted Anderson House Tour. The home that served as a hospital during the Battle of Lexington will have its ghostly past brought back to life. Lanterns will light the way on this thrilling guided tour, which visitors will begin with a ride on Lexington’s new trolley.
Halloween thrill seekers are also encouraged to check out the Cemetery Tour taking place a week prior on October 20, which will be followed by a Halloween celebration featuring live music and a costume contest.
The Cemetery Tour transports visitors back in time to meet the ghosts of Lexington’s past. Traverse historic Machpelah Cemetery to stop at the graves of six honored citizens of Lexington. At each stop, tour groups will hear fascinating accounts of long-ago as re-enactors bring the stories of the deceased back to life once more.
The fun continues at The Lex, Lexington’s Municipal Auditorium, with the annual Boo Bash. From 8pm-Midnight, party in true Halloween spirit with the band Turn of the Century, a costume contest and much more. Bring your tickets from the Cemetery Tour for a discount. The Lex is located at 111 S. 11th Street in Lexington, Mo.
The Spirit of the Civil War on October 27 is an all-day event, free-of-charge. Tickets for the Haunted Anderson House Hospital Tour can be purchased online at the following link. Programs and information will be available at The Lexington Municipal Auditorium located at 111 S. 11th Street. Click here to learn more about Spirit of the Civil War.
Tickets to the Haunted Cemetery Tour on October 20 are $10 and all proceeds benefit the Lexington Historical Museum.