About the Book

The Civil War was one of the bloodiest America has ever fought. In its wake, much effort was made to provide for the disabled and impoverished veterans of both sides. The Confederate Home of Missouri was one such effort; its founding is a story of the triumph of the human spirit.

Beginning with veterans’ programs before the Civil War, The Heart is the Heritage chronicles in meticulous, yet warmhearted detail the difficult birth of the Missouri home—the need for such a home for Confederate veterans in Missouri; the organizations founded for the purpose of establishing such an institution; the people involved with these organizations and fund raising efforts; the selection of a site for the home at Higginsville; prominent persons in the founding and eventual operation of the home; construction of buildings at the home; and the operations of the farm. But the focus is on the people. Mini-biographies detail the lives of many residents and all the important officials of the home. Rules of the home, disciplinary problems, and various controversies bring in drama, and humorous and poignant anecdotes make the reader laugh and cry.

In 1897 the home went through an important change, a takeover by the state, and that is where the historical narrative of the home ends.

This is not the end of the book, however. One appendix gives an overview of the later history of the home, up to its eventual closure in 1951; two others should be of interest to the genealogist; and, finally, a poem (not the only one in these pages) captures some appropriate sentiments. For anyone with a love of American history—our heritage—this is a warm, informative, and absorbing read.