Missouri Civil War Sesquicentennial Home Page

Shortly after his arrival in Ironton in August 1861, Colonel Ulysses S. Grant received the official notification of his promotion to Brigadier General on the property of the modern day Ste. Marie du Lac Catholic Church.  Years later in 1886, surviving members of the 21st Illinois Infantry Volunteers (Colonel Grant's unit) erected a monument on the spot where he received the official notification of his promotion.  The ceremonies this July will have the monument as a center point.  The ceremonial event will also feature music.  The celebration will take place on Saturday, July 30 at 11:00 a.m. in Ironton, Missouri.  This event  is sponsored by U.S. Grant Camp #68, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Iron County Historical Society and the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Friends of Fort Davidson State Historic Site and Ste. Marie du Lac Catholic Church.  To get to the Ste. Marie du Lac Catholic Church in Ironton from the Farmington area, drive west on highway 221 for about 18 miles to Highway 21.  Make a left turn and drive 2 miles on Highway M.  Turn right.  At the stop sign, go straight one block and turn left.  There is a parking lot on the north side of the church.  For more information, contact wbusch@suvcwmo.rog or call 314-630-8407.