Jefferson Barracks History

1803

The Louisiana Purchase opened vast new territories for U.S. settlement, creating both the opportunity and the need for a permanent military presence west of the Mississippi River.

1826

Jefferson Barracks, located approximately 10 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri, was established on July 10, 1826, as the first permanent U.S. military post west of the Mississippi River. Named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, the post was founded on 1,702 acres acquired from residents of the former French Village of Carondelet (pictured at left)—land purchased for a $5 gold piece. Originally conceived as an Infantry School of Practice, Jefferson Barracks was designed to provide hands-on training that would complement the academic instruction offered at West Point.

1832

Troops from Jefferson Barracks played a significant role in the Black Hawk War—an early conflict aimed at securing the expanding western frontier, particularly in present-day Iowa and northwestern Illinois. In August 1832, Black Hawk, the renowned leader of the Sauk and Fox tribes, was captured along with his followers and imprisoned at Jefferson Barracks. During their confinement, the American writer Washington Irving visited the post to interview Black Hawk. At Black Hawk’s request, he and seven of his men were later granted permission to travel to Washington, D.C., where they met with President Andrew Jackson.

1833

On March 2, 1833, Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Regiment of Dragoons, headquartered at Jefferson Barracks. This unit, which later evolved into the First U.S. Cavalry, served as a precursor to today’s modern armored military forces. Notable officers in the regiment included its first commander, Henry Dodge, as well as William J. Hardee, Nathaniel Boone (youngest child of Daniel Boone, and Jefferson Davis.

Historian Marc Kollbaum aptly described the Army’s complex mission during this era:
“It was the job of the Army, not only to protect the settlers from the Indians, but also to protect the Indians from the settlers and from each other.”

1840s

By the 1840s, Jefferson Barracks had grown into the largest military post in the United States. Its role had expanded well beyond its original mission, functioning as an ordnance depot, engineer base, cavalry post, general hospital, induction and separation center, and basic training facility.

At one point, its prominence was such that there was serious consideration of relocating the U.S. Military Academy from West Point to Jefferson Barracks—a testament to the post’s national importance.

During this formative period, Jefferson Barracks served as a first post for many future military leaders. Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Winfield Scott Hancock, Joseph E. Johnston, Braxton Bragg, James Longstreet, and many others received their initial assignments here following graduation from West Point.

In May 1846, following the U.S. declaration of war against Mexico, General Zachary Taylor (pictured at left)—then stationed at Jefferson Barracks and later elected the 12th President of the United States—was given command of troops from the post. These soldiers went on to distinguish themselves through heroic service during the Mexican-American War.

1861–1865 – Civil War Era

During the Civil War, over 100 general officers representing both the Union and Confederacy had served at Jefferson Barracks, among them some of the most prominent names in American military history:

• William T. Sherman

• Ulysses S. Grant

• Robert E. Lee

• Winfield Scott

• James Longstreet

• Braxton Bragg

• Don Carlos Buell

• Winfield Scott Hancock

• Joseph E. Johnston

1898 – Spanish-American War

Jefferson Barracks continued its role as a key staging and training ground during the Spanish-American War.

Due to the war’s brief duration, troop movements and orders shifted frequently. For example, Battery A of the Missouri Volunteers—pictured at left—deployed from Jefferson Barracks to Puerto Rico in July 1898, shortly after the U.S. invasion of the island. By early September, they were ordered to return home and were released from duty following a 60-day furlough at Jefferson Barracks.

1911

Dwight D. Eisenhower—future U.S. President and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II—began his military journey at Jefferson Barracks. There, he spent his days preparing for and taking the entrance exams for admission to West Point. After successfully passing the exams, he left Jefferson Barracks to begin his training as a new cadet at the U.S. Military Academy.

1916–1917

During the early 20th century, Jefferson Barracks played a key role in the Mexican Punitive Expedition, serving as a staging ground for U.S. forces under the command of native Missourian General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing. The campaign, launched in response to Pancho Villa’s raid on Columbus, New Mexico, marked a rare military incursion across the U.S.-Mexico border in pursuit of the elusive revolutionary leader.

World War I & World War II (1917–1945)

1946

After more than a century of federal control, the core assets of Jefferson Barracks were transferred to the State of Missouri for use by the Missouri National Guard. This marked the beginning of its new role in the Reserve Component of the military.

2008

A new chapter began when ground was broken for the $24.8 million Joint Armed Forces Center, built adjacent to the historic campus. The centre expanded Jefferson Barracks’ capacity and confirmed its ongoing importance in modern military operations.

Present day

Today, Jefferson Barracks stands as a living tribute to nearly two centuries of American military service. It continues to serve the nation through the Missouri National Guard and Reserve Components, while also honouring the past through museums, historic buildings, and memorials. With its deep roots in American history and its ongoing commitment to service, Jefferson Barracks remains not just a military landmark, but a symbol of dedication, resilience, and remembrance for generations to come.

1912

Jefferson Barracks reentered the national spotlight in 1912 through a pioneering moment in aviation history. On March 2, Captain Albert Berry (seated at left in the photo) became the first person ever to successfully parachute from a moving airplane. Jumping from an altitude of 2,000 feet, he deployed a parachute—remarkably, one without a harness—and landed safely on the parade field at Jefferson Barracks.

Interestingly, Colonel Wood, the JB Base Commander at the time, missed the initial jump and asked Berry to repeat the feat. Berry, however, declined the request.