The First Division, Missouri State Guard was formed this month at Frenchmen Spring, south of current day Dexter, Mo, in 1861. We put a large red granite boulder with a bronze plaque to mark the spot where they formed. You can still get good cold water from Frenchmen Spring. M. Jeff Thompson was elected commander of the unit, their first major fight was at the battle of Fredericktown. Jim McGhee wrote a great article in the Missouri Historical Review last year I believe, on the battle. It's more accurate than Ponder's whole book on the battle. The First Division is often forgotten because it did not join other State Guard units in southwest Missouri.

Paul Arnold