The Liberty Arsenal Raid

On April 20, 1861, just 8 days after the opening shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, Col. Henry Routt led a band of 200 secessionists on a raid of the United States Arsenal at Liberty, MO.

If you travel Hwy 291 between Liberty and the Missouri River, you've driven past the site of the Liberty Arsenal many times. Ironically, the location at 291 and Seven Hills Road is now the home of a Black Cat fireworks dealership.


Today, in Observance of the 150th Anniversary of the raid, a small ceremony was held with Reenactor Jim Beckner portraying Col. Henry Routt.

The guy knows how to make an entrance.







I must say, it was a bit disconcerting watching a bunch of folks standing around listening to this guy speak so passionately about the Confederate cause and what an efficient agrarian system slavery was and how the Federal Government had no business meddling in States Rights.

At times it sounded a bit like a Tea Party rally. But what the Hell, I love a good photo op.








I particularly liked this next photo. It was towards the end of his speech and while the State Flag was full and erect, the Federal Flag had gone all limp and flacid. Seemed to match the mood of the occasion.





With this being the beginning of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, I'll be looking for other reenactment photo ops over the next 5 years.