Jesse James and the Civil War in Missouri

The Civil War in Missouri was a time of great confusion, violence, and destruction. Although several major battles were fought in the state between Confederate and Union forces, much of the fighting in Missouri was an ugly form of terrorism carried out by loose bands of Missouri guerrillas, by Kansas "Jayhawkers," or by marauding patrols of Union soldiers. This irregular warfare provided a training ground for people like Jesse and Frank James who, after the war, used their newly learned skills to form an outlaw band that ultimately became known all over the world.

Jesse James and the Civil War in Missouri discusses the underlying causes of the Civil War as they relate to Missouri and reveals how the war helped create both the legend and the reality of Jesse James and his gang. Written in an accessible style, this valuable little book will be welcomed by anyone with an interest in the Civil War, the legend of Jesse James, or Missouri history.

Robert Dyer is a historian, poet, songwriter, folklorist, teacher, and performer, as well as the author of several books, including Boonville: An Illustrated History. He also has released two recordings of original songs, and he recently participated in a project to record Civil War music from the Missouri area. In addition, he travels throughout the state presenting programs on Missouri history and folklore to elementary school students as part of the Missouri Arts Council's Artist-in-Education program.