Most of you know the famous Bunker Hill – of the Revolutionary War in Charleston, Mass, where the first considerable engagement of that war was fought in June 17, 1775.
How many of you know the famous Bunker Hill of the Civil War in St. Charles, MO?
St. Charles was an important town during the Civil War due to its location on the Missouri River. A fort was established atop the bluff of the river. It was first called “Look-Out” Fort and the regular soldiers were stationed there. It was a “Look-Out” for the Union soldiers to protect their boats and used to patrol the river and stop boats with soldiers and supplies for the Confederate forces.
General Simeon Bunker of Kentucky, who for years had served in the U.S. Army, was given command of this fort in April 1861. He officially changed the name of the fort to Bunker Fort and the section of the hill near the fort to Bunker Hill.
To get to Bunker Fort on Bunker Hill, go South on Main Street, in front of the St. Charles Water Works Reservoir (now Maryland Yards), turn right up Reservoir Hill, drive to the top of the hill which is approximately a city block and there is Fort Bunker No. 210 Reservoir Street.
The view of the river is marvelous. Near the Fort at 211 Reservoir Street is the charming old one room schoolhouse known as the Mount Pleasant School. This was taken over by General Bunker and used as living quarters for his soldiers. The old brick school building is now covered with stucco and has been converted into a delightful home of its owner, Mrs. Chester Owens. (This was in 1963)
General Bunker did valuable service for the Union cause. He controlled St. Charles and “took over” the building of the old Woolen Mills located on the northeast corner of South Main and Boone’s Lick Road. He closed the mill and converted the building into a prison and a hospital. He “took over” the St. Charles College on North Third Street opposite the court house, closed the school and used the building for another prison and hospital.
Edward Lewis, who was a student at the St. Charles College in April 1861, tells in his writings and printed lectures, of General Bunker taking over the school.
I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as records show at the time of the Civil War. It is described as a two story brick building with inside woodwork including oak floors. There was a large cupola on top of the building with a “widow’s walk” where soldiers walked around and watched for enemy boats. A picket fence enclosed the grounds. A large U.S. Flag waved from a pole attached to a tall oak tree near the Southeast corner of the Fort. A large cannon was placed facing the river.
Records tell of two boats with Confederate soldiers and their supplies being fired on by this huge cannon.
Judge James W. Owens tells of this fort in his official report of October 2, 1864. He tells of the protection General Bunker gave him with the “Bright Star”, a ferryboat that was owned by Joseph Kettler and used to evacuate Washington. Soldiers and civilians started on “Star Bright” for St. Charles and government property. The boat was under the command of Judge Owens, who had been ordered not to let the boat get into enemy hands. It was taken to St. Charles for the purpose of getting it beyond reach of General Price’s Raiders. About 75 rounds were fired at the boat as it passes South Point. (The St. Charles County Historical Society located at 101 South Main Street) has a fine picture of the “Bright Star” as it landed here with Judge Owens in command.
Now, I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as you will see it today. (1963). The huge cannon is gone. In a drive, this cannon and the huge cannon that was at the entrance of our Park was donated for iron during World War I.
When Grace Holmes owned the building there was a very bad fire. The roof was destroyed and the second story was badly damaged. The building was left that way until it was sold in 1938 to Henry Hassinger who is listed as a splendid carpenter. He bought the building “as was”. He dropped the second floor, making an attic room and put on a slant roof. Some of the old picket fence is still there. Of course, there were much larger grounds around the fort than you will find today as houses have been built near the old fort. When Henry Hassinger died in this old fort building in 1948, his daughter, Mrs. Edith Schneider, inherited the old fort building. She is historically minded and will preserve it.
The St. Charles County Historical Society will have a shield put on the building, as it certainly is a historical building
It is hoped a surplus cannon used in the Civil War will be donated and placed by the Civil War Fort where a cannon used to be.
Please drive to Bunker Hill, see the Bunker Fort, the old Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse and enjoy the glorious view of the Missouri River.A Little
(Reprinted from “Historical Series – Bunker Hill Fort” written by Edna McElhiney Olson, dated August 22, 1963 with permission of the St. Charles County Historical Society)
