Lexington, Missouri is best known for two historic large battles in the Civil War in 1861 & 1864 respectively. Two months after the war ended, some of Quantrill's Raiders decided to turn themselves in at Lexington. While riding into town waving a white flag, they were fired upon by Union soldiers. One of the riders--Jesse James was shot and severely injured in the right lung.
Two years later he returned with the James Younger gang to rob the bank of Missouri. This was most likely not a coincidence.
On October 30th, 1866, the James brothers walked inside the bank, asking to change a bill. When the bank clerk refused, pistols were drawn. The bank clerk did not give up the vault key and the robbers ransacked the bank making off with $2000.
A posse was organized by former guerillas and friends of the outlaws. Unsurprisingly, the posse turned up nothing, most likely not putting much effort into the chase.
Today the site is still a bank--Bank Midwest. The 2 blocks surrounding the bank include a realty storefront, an antiques store, a gun store, a church and a McDonalds.
If you are into military history, 7/8 MUST SEE things to do include visiting battlefields, seeing a canonball lodged into the courthouse and a sword. I skipped the tours. The most interesting part of this site was the juxtaposition between the gun store, bank and McDonalds. Probably the irony was lost on most residents.
This Madonna of the Trail statue is one of twelve that is placed throughout the National Old Trails Road from Maryland to California honoring early women pioneers. A refreshing feminist icon.
I thought it was fitting to leave my hair offering in front of the church at the Santa Fe Trail marker.
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