Doug,
I intend to read Shea's book soon. Good reviews. I wouldn't exactly call me an 'expert' on Prairie D'Ann and please don't rule out the Hwy. 19 route. It's all still left open until more conclusive evidence is found if it ever is. You're truly right on in regards to the civil war in the west. Way back when I started studying the civil war it was suggested that I read up on the Missouri-Kansas border wars and I'm glad that I did. Another book you may be interested in is "Rebel Gold" by Getler and Brewer. I found this book very interesting taking in parts of West Arkansas and Oklahoma. Ironically, my oldest son and his wife moved to Petersburg, Va. My wife and I was out there last June. Needless to say I was not bored. Good luck on your ventures wherever they may take you.