In the first episode of season three of the ”Can You Dig It” podcast, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields, along with guest Christopher Gordon, delve into the complex history of St. Louis during the American Civil War. They discuss the German immigrants' fervent desire for freedom and their role in saving the St. Louis Arsenal from Confederate forces. The conversation highlights the Dred Scott case, which overturned the Missouri Compromise and set the stage for the conflict. They also explore the Camp Jackson affair, where Union troops clashed with secessionists, resulting in civilian casualties. The episode emphasizes the deep-rooted tensions and the significant impact of the Civil War on St. Louis.

Outline:

German Contributions to St. Louis and Introduction to the Podcast

• Dan asks Joe about the contributions Germans brought to St. Louis, and Joe mentions their fervent desire for freedom and their role in saving the St. Louis Arsenal from Confederate forces.
• Joe introduces the Can You Dig It podcast, highlighting its focus on exploring the dark secrets of St. Louis and Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• Dan and Joe welcome listeners to season three of the podcast, introducing themselves and their roles at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.

• Dan and Joe discuss the complexity of Missouri's secession from the Union, mentioning the two governors, Claiborne Fox Jackson and Hamilton Gamble.

• Dan and Joe delve into the Dred Scott case, its impact on the Civil War, and the Missouri Compromise, which was overturned by the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision.
• Christopher and Dan discuss the legal wrangling surrounding Dred Scott's case and the political changes that affected the Supreme Court's decisions.

• Dan and Joe explain the Dred Scott case, its significance, and the legal battles that took place in St. Louis.
• Christopher highlights the historical context of the Dred Scott case, including the Blow family's involvement and the legal tradition in Missouri.
• Dan mentions the Camp Jackson affair, the first fatalities of the Civil War in St. Louis, and the military presence at Jefferson Barracks.
• Christopher and Dan discuss the political and social tensions in St. Louis leading up to the Civil War, including the German immigrants' anti-slavery stance and the military actions at Camp Jackson.

• Dan and Joe describe the Camp Jackson affair, the military actions, and the civilian casualties that occurred in May 1861.
• Christopher explains the political and military dynamics leading up to the Camp Jackson affair, including the Union forces' response to the secessionists' activities.

• Dan and Joe discuss John C. Fremont's anti-slavery views and his actions during the Camp Jackson affair.
• Christopher explains Fremont's background, his marriage to Jessie Benton, and his career in the military and politics.
• Dan mentions Fremont's connection to Bellefontaine Cemetery through his children and his role in the Dred Scott case.
• Christopher and Dan discuss Fremont's impact on the Civil War, including his actions in St. Louis and his eventual discharge from his command.

• Dan and Joe discuss the German community's role in the Civil War, their anti-slavery stance, and their quick decision to support the Union.

• Dan mentions the new technology and communication methods that emerged during the Civil War, including the telegraph and the impact on news dissemination.
• Christopher and Dan discuss the role of newspapers in shaping public opinion and the importance of reading multiple perspectives.

• Dan and Joe discuss the broader implications of the Civil War in St. Louis, including the political and social tensions and the impact on the community.

• Dan mentions the importance of understanding the full story of the Civil War in St. Louis and the contributions of individuals buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
• Christopher and Dan discuss the ongoing impact of the Civil War on St. Louis and the importance of preserving its history.