Battle of Athens State Historic Site

The Battle of Athens State Historic Site occupies over 400 acres of land along the Des Moines River and includes several historic buildings from the Civil War period. Interpretive trails guide visitors through the terrain where the fighting took place, helping tell the story of what happened here.

The battle took place in 1861 and ranks as the northernmost Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River. Around 500 Union soldiers held their ground against a much larger force of pro-Southern State Guard militia.

The Thome-Benning House shows bullet and shell marks from the fighting, serving as a physical reminder of the conflict that divided the region. Walking through the site, you can see how the battle left its mark on the local landscape and structures.

The site provides camping facilities, fishing access, and picnic areas for visitors to use. Two hiking trails let you walk through the battlefield, and free guided tours are offered during the season to help you understand the location better.

The former river town of Athens bustled with trade before the battle, housing about 50 businesses along its streets. After the fighting ended, the town declined as railroads replaced river shipping, and most of those shops and enterprises eventually closed.