Lexington
by Becky Cardon Smith
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Overlooking the Missouri River is the city of Lexington, located about 10 miles south of Richmond via State Road 13. Early settlers coming from Lexington, Kentucky were probably responsible for giving the town its name. Founded in 1822, it grew quickly due to its importance as a trade center. Steamboats brought supplies in for the explorers and carried settlers out, bound for the West. For many years it was the outfitting center for those starting out on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Lexington, which became the county seat of Lafayette County, also became an important town for the early Saints. During the 1830s, Church leaders and members traveled here for political, church, and personal business. For a time, Alexander Doniphan served as justice of the peace. But in 1852, a pioneer tragedy occurred here on the shores of the Missouri River: the explosion of the steamboat Saluda which took over a hundred lives. Many of those killed were pioneer Saints en route to a new home in the Rocky Mountains.

SITES TO SEE

• Missouri River and Bridge – The Saluda explosion occurred in the vicinity of the bridge located just south of Richmond and north of Lexington. In March 1852, the Saluda left St. Louis headed for Council Bluffs. Many of those on board were Mormon immigrants, mostly from England and Wales. The river was muddy, icy, and running high as the Saluda stopped at Lexington for supplies before heading through some of the most dangerous waters. A narrow channel with very strong currents made it difficult for ships to make the sharp turn in the river. The Captain, Francis T. Belt, tried unsuccessfully for two days to make the bend. On Good Friday morning, April 9, 1852, Captain Belt made a fatal decision. For possible reasons of frustration, stress, or impatient passengers, he ordered an increase in steam pressure. As the Saluda pushed off, the paddlewheel was starting its second rotation when the boilers exploded. The explosion could be heard for miles. Those on the shore who witnessed the disaster saw parts of the steamer and bodies blown into the air. They landed in the river, on the wharf, and even onto the nearby bluff. Over one hundred people were killed, including the captain, many of the passengers, and two men on shore who were hit by debris. It is estimated that about 40 people survived. Some of the survivors were pulled onto a passing boat heading down the Missouri River. Within 10 minutes of the explosion, the Saluda sunk. The community of Lexington rushed to help. Doctors worked on the injured, while survivors were cared for in local homes. A fund was raised to bury the dead and help with the financial needs of the survivors. Because of the strong current, some of the bodies were recovered while others were washed away. An article in the October 2001 Ensign entitled “Sturdy Shoes And a Waterproof Tent” tells about several important lessons learned from this disaster. Church member and passenger William C. Dunbar ignored promptings that warned him not to sail on the vessel. Several times the feelings returned, but he failed to heed them. His wife and two small children were killed in the disaster, but he survived. Abraham O. Smoot was also prompted not to board the ship. He decided not to sail, despite being offered free passage. The Ensign article also mentions the unfortunate results of not keeping records or having a will. Some of the townspeople in Lexington took a number of the orphaned children into their homes to raise as their own. Because of the lack of records, Church leaders were unable to identify and locate some of these young survivors in later years.

• Lafayette County Courthouse – Built in 1847, this is the oldest continually used courthouse west of the Mississippi. As you face the courthouse, look at the pillar on the far left side and you will see a round black object imbedded in the top of the post. It is a cannonball from the Battle of Lexington on September 18-20, 1861. The courthouse is located on Main Street.

• Saluda Memorial – A recently built memorial to honor those who lost their lives in the Saluda disaster is located just south of the courthouse. After stopping at the courthouse, turn right at 113 South. The monument will be at the first stop sign on your right.

• 1843 Episcopal Church – Just east of the Saluda Memorial is an Episcopal church. The funerals for those killed in the Saluda explosion were held here.

• Machpelaei Cemetery – This 1849 cemetery contains the graves of settlers, Confederate soldiers, and victims from the Saluda disaster. The name of the cemetery comes from Genesis 23:9. Sarah and Abraham were buried in the cave of Machpelah. The cemetery is located on 20th Street.

• Battle of Lexington Historic Site and Visitors’ Center – This is one of the few Civil War battlefields in which you can still discern the outlines of the trenches. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour, displays, artifacts, and descriptions of the battle. While here, view a 15-minute film entitled “Battle of the Hemp Bales.” The center is located west of the courthouse at John Shea Drive and Delaware Street. Open Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. Call for off season hours. Admission is free. 660-259-4654.

• Anderson House – This home is located at the Lexington visitors’ center mentioned above. It was built as a private home by Colonel Anderson in 1853 but used as a field hospital during the Battle of Lexington. It changed possession from North to South three times during the fighting. The home has been restored and furnished with time-period furniture. Tours are given on the hour. Admission: $2.50 adults, $1.50 children 13 and under.

• Lexington has over 120 pre-Civil War homes and buildings. Many of the homes are open for tours. For group tours call 660-259-2094.

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