Civil War

You never know what you'll discover when you explore a home that dates back to the Civil War era. That's what happened in Illinois not that long ago when urban explorers found that an abandoned house also included a hidden secret underground bunker.

I have so many questions. A new ranking of states that are supposedly united at the moment asks the question of what happens if they aren't. It states that Illinois is best equipped (literally) to be a state that survives what would almost absolutely be a tragic conflict. Did I mention that I have so many questions?

It's no secret that Missouri was a crucial battleground during the Civil War, but did you know that no state had more cavalry on the ground during that clash? It's true and there are some staggering numbers to go along with that.

It actually makes sense when you think about it. When it comes to battlegrounds across the states during the Civil War, only two states had more brother's blood spilled on it than Missouri.

The grounds are silent now with the exception of a few tourists who stop by to pay their respects. However, nearly 162 years ago, it was the site of a battle in Missouri that took the lives of over 2,500 souls in one of the most violent clashes during the Civil War.

It's a much-visited historic Missouri bridge. What could possibly go wrong if you were to visit it at night? If legend is to be believed, you don't want to find out.

It's one of the most well-preserved mansions from the Civil War era and it resides in New Madrid, Missouri. Inside its walls remain secret messages that date back 160 years.

If only this land could talk. It's a former Missouri Civil War battleground that many still believe harbors the Bloody Hill Ghosts.

There are no lack of stories and legends of buried treasure, but there is one that is starting to look like there's some truth to it. There is evidence mounting that there is a fortune in stolen Civil War gold that's buried somewhere in the Midwest.

We have a lot of history that rests in Missouri and Illinois cemeteries, but few are as solemn as the grave of a Civil War soldier that also includes the artillery shell that took his life.