Imagine stepping back in time to the days of stagecoaches and the open road! A dedicated group in Laclede County, Missouri, is on a mission to rescue a tangible piece of history: a pre-Civil War cabin with deep roots in the legendary Route 66. This isn't just any old building; it's the Benton Stagecoach Log Cabin, erected way back in the 1840s, even before Laclede County itself officially existed.
The Laclede County Historical Society is leading the charge to restore this remarkable structure. Think about it: this cabin witnessed history unfold! As Noah Smothers, President of the Laclede County Historical Society, explained, it served as a vital stop for stagecoaches traveling along the route. Travelers would pause here to refresh their horses, grab a quick meal, and swap out teams. This cabin is directly connected to the spirit of Route 66.
But here's where it gets really interesting: the cabin's story continues into the Civil War era, serving as a critical stop. The cabin has been moved from its original location, and now, the current owner and the Historical Society have joined forces to relocate it for restoration. James Carmichael, the cabin's owner, expressed his delight at the Historical Society's commitment, emphasizing the cabin's historical significance and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
The effort to save the Benton Cabin isn't a recent development. Believe it or not, newspaper clippings from 1928 reveal that the women of Laclede County were already discussing ways to preserve it during their domestic science meetings. Kathleen Haefner of the Historical Society points out that the Benton Cabin is the only one of the three locations mentioned in the meeting that remains available for preservation.
The Historical Society is now actively seeking donations to move the cabin to Lebanon and begin the restoration process. Their goal is to create educational programs. Teresa Chuber from the society is particularly excited about the prospect of involving young people in the project, helping them learn about their heritage and the origins of Laclede County.
What do you think about preserving historical landmarks like this? Do you believe it's important to connect with the past, or should we focus solely on the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
