The Anderson House, located in Lexington, Missouri, was once described by a local newspaper as “the largest and best arranged dwelling west of St. Louis.” The three story, Greek-Revival style dwelling was constructed by Oliver Anderson, a prominent Lexington manufacturer. About July 1, 1861, the Anderson family was evicted from their home by Union troops. Union forces established a hospital in the home and surrounded it with fortifications. At the start of the Siege of Lexington, more than 100 sick and wounded Union soldiers occupied the building.
Because of its strategic location, General Thomas Harris of the Missouri State Guard ordered the Second Division to capture the house on September 18, 1861. Shocked by what he considered to be a violation of the Laws of War, Union commander Colonel James A. Mulligan ordered the house retaken. Union troops recaptured the house, suffering heavy casualties in the process. Harris’s troops regained control of the house later that day.
The Anderson House was heavily damaged by artillery and small arms projectiles, and pock-marks are still visible inside and outside the house today.
Image Courtesy Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
