Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site preserves the childhood home of the man who would become the highest-ranking military officer in American history. Tucked into the small town of Laclede in Linn County, Missouri, this 2.69-acre site offers an intimate look at the formative years of “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I.

The centerpiece is the restored 1858 home where Pershing grew up, furnished with period pieces that recreate life in rural Missouri during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Adjacent exhibits trace Pershing’s remarkable journey from a one-room schoolhouse teacher in Laclede to leading two million troops in Europe. A statue of the general stands on the grounds, and interpretive panels connect his upbringing to the leadership qualities that defined his career.

Visitors can walk the grounds at their own pace or time a visit to coincide with guided tours, which add depth through stories you won’t find on the plaques. The site is small enough to explore in about an hour, making it an easy stop along a north-central Missouri road trip.

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for wandering the grounds, though the indoor exhibits make any season viable. The site is best suited for history enthusiasts, military history buffs, and families looking to bring a textbook figure to life. There’s no camping on-site, but nearby Pershing State Park offers trails and camping just a few miles south.

Explore Nearby

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• Union Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
• Sandy Creek Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Missouri
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• Stacy Park — Dark Sky Site in Missouri