Few infantry regiments in the Civil War compiled a more distinguished record than the Fifth Missouri. The unique blending of fiery Irish Confederates from St. Louis with rural pro-Southern Missourians forged an unshakable esprit de corps, making the unit the crack infantry regiment in the western sector. Most of Colonel James C. McCown's troops were young men in their 20s, and their good health and physical conditioning allowed them to carry out their "shock" missions throughout the region. From the perspective of the common soldiers and the unit's leaders the activities and battles of the Fifth Missouri are recounted here.

Welcome to Warrensburg and Johnson County, Missouri. As the county seat, Warrensburg (formally incorporated in 1855) has been a hub of activity since 1834. In 1864 the railroad brought even more hustle and bustle. This postcard tour will take the reader down Holden and Pine Streets to the "new town," into businesses and public buildings, and to the majestic resort that was once Pertle Springs. Also included are rarer postcards of surrounding communities, particularly Chilhowee and Holden, that have also experienced fascinating changes as the years progressed. These images, windows into the lives of people, architecture, and times gone by, were sent all over the county to friends and loved ones communicating brief-and public-messages through the U.S. mail.