Pleasant Hill, Missouri is a small town located in Cass County. Though it may not look like it now, Pleasant Hill has played an important role in many historical events that have shaped the course of American history. Here are 7 historical events that have taken place near Pleasant Hill, MO.

1. Battle of Lone Jack

The Battle of Lone Jack was fought on August 16-17, 1862. The Confederates, commanded by Colonel John T. Coffee, won the battle against the Union forces. The battle caused heavy casualties on both sides, with the Union losing around 200 soldiers and the Confederates approximately 100 soldiers. The Battle of Lone Jack had a big impact on Missouri’s Civil War history.

2. Battle of Westport

The Battle of Westport was one of the most significant battles fought west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The battle was fought on October 23, 1864, and was one of the largest battles fought west of the Mississippi during the war. Union forces, led by Major General Samuel Curtis, were able to defeat Confederate forces, led by General Sterling Price, in a hard-fought battle. By the end of the battle, the Confederates had lost nearly 3,000 men compared to the Union’s loss of around 1,500.

3. The Mormon War

The Mormon War was a conflict between the state of Missouri and the Mormon people. The conflict began in 1838, and it lasted for several months until it ended in 1839. Many Mormon reforms in Missouri were led by Joseph Smith himself, and they were met with hostility and violence from the people of Missouri. The Mormon War ultimately led to the expulsion of the Mormons from the state of Missouri.

4. Harry S. Truman's 4th of July Speech

On July 4, 1951, President Harry S. Truman gave a famous speech in Independence, Missouri, just a few miles west of Pleasant Hill. In his speech, Truman said that “peace is not something that can be made at the conference table or by a treaty, but it will be won by the people who are willing to fight for it and die for it.” Truman’s speech was aimed at promoting patriotism and the support of the armed forces.

5. Missouri Pacific Railroad

The Missouri Pacific Railroad was established in 1872, and it became one of the most important railroads in the region. The railroad helped the local economy grow, and it was instrumental in the transportation of goods and people throughout the state. The railroad was also important during the Civil War, as it was used to transport troops and supplies.

6. The Wagon Train of 1843

In the summer of 1843, approximately 1,000 people traveled from Missouri to Oregon in what is known as the Wagon Train of 1843. The journey took over 5 months to complete, covering nearly 2,000 miles. The trip was marked by numerous hardships, including disease, accidents, and shortages of food and other essential supplies.

7. The Battle of Liberty

The Battle of Liberty was fought on September 17, 1861, just a few miles north of Pleasant Hill. It was one of the first battles of the Civil War fought in Missouri. Union forces under the command of General James Lane defeated Confederate forces led by General Charles Clark. The battle was significant because it helped ensure the Union’s control over Missouri for the remainder of the war.

In conclusion, Pleasant Hill may be a small town, but it has been the site of many important historical events. These events have helped shape American history and have played a vital role in the development of Missouri’s history. Today, visitors can still see the legacy of these events throughout the town, making it a great location to learn about and appreciate American history.