Missouri Civil War Museum, Saint Louis

A wonderful museum that will have you leaving humbled and empathetic to a dark time in our nations history. Great experience and the fact it is in Jefferson Barracks, one of the oldest military installations in the U.S. adds to the experience. The staff was also extremely helpful and kind. There is also a nice gift shop to conclude the experience. Looking forward to going back again.

I'm local and embarrassed to say I didn't know this gem exists. If you're at all interested in the subject, it's fantastic. The entire project was volunteer/donor funded and executed. No government funds were used and it's a model of private support for a public good. On to the museum... The renovation to the building is of very high quality. It was originally the Post exchange and Gym, but was used as a hospital ward and various other purposes before sitting empty and in disrepair for years. Many truly original details are missing, but the mezzanine running track and railing along with a few other great components remain. What has been replaced is well done and in keeping with the building. There are two intro videos early on and both are well done. The first provides background on the building and the second focuses on the Missouri Compromise and other preludes to secession. It's very much worth watching both and they provide good context for the displays. The displays are well organized, content is explained in nice bite sized pieces and they are all spotless. There's representation of both the North and South with the obvious goal to tell the stories of those represented and let the visitor develop their own understanding. Some objects that surprised me that were great to see: * A sitting chair that a Union General bought from the estate of Mary Todd Lincoln. * A cane the same General had made from brass and wood that originated on the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), the world's oldest ship that is still afloat. (Her tour in Boston is also Don't Miss.) * A First Edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin. * A toy - but functional - black powder cannon made from scrap materials recovered from the Eads Bridge construction. * A spyglass used at Gettysburg (!!!) * Other: LOTS of period weapons in excellent condition, a display medical, um, "technology" of the day and complete uniforms. If this doesn't get you excited about making plans to go, you probably shouldn't. Admission was $7 with discounts for students, seniors and members. I spent about 3 hours and only finished the main floor. Will go back to walk the lower level. Bonus in August: The AC works GREAT!