In the Arcadia Valley in Missouri is the town of Pilot Knob that was also the former location of Fort Davidson and the Battle of Fort Davidson in the Civil War. Fort Davidson’s location was in the midst of the valley along the railway, making it central for traveling between the north and south during the war. The views from the site are quite beautiful with mountains around in every direction. During the battle the fort was blown up to ensure the south did not get access to the weaponry, so outside of the a small museum and some placards there is little evidence of the former fort and the hundreds of lives lost during the battle.

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Visitors to the site can still roam about the fort grounds and see the hole created by the explosion. Additionally, visitors can go to the small museum to explore the exhibit and watch a short film about the battle. When we visited we spent only about an hour at the site, but enjoyed an opportunity to learn and take in the beautiful valley views. For those visiting the Arcadia Valley and the St. Francois Mountains, the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is a great little stopping point and we encourage people to visit the quaint little valley towns that provide more insight into the history of Missouri!