RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEFFERSON BARRACKS

On 2026-09-30, Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEFFERSON BARRACKS" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEFFERSON BARRACKS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 155 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S5247-S5248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF JEFFERSON BARRACKS Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis County, MO, and to honor the generations of Americans whose service has shaped its remarkable history. For two centuries, Jefferson Barracks has stood as a testament to Missouri's enduring commitment to the defense of our Nation. Established in 1826, the installation has served the United States through periods of war, expansion, innovation, and change, becoming one of the most historically significant military sites in the country. From its earliest days as an Army training post, Jefferson Barracks grew into a critical center for military readiness. American soldiers trained there before heading into critical conflicts that shaped the Nation. It served as a recruiting and staging ground, a major hospital during the Civil War, and an enlistment and deployment center during World War I. Its history is intertwined with some of the most consequential figures in American history, including military heroes turned U.S. Presidents like Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The importance of Jefferson Barracks is not confined to the past. Today, it continues to serve the Missouri National Guard as the Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Station and the surrounding veteran community as a prominent national cemetery. More than 200,000 veterans have been laid to rest there, making the grounds not only a place of service but also one [[Page S5248]] of profound remembrance and gratitude. Few places can claim such a lasting connection to the men and women who have defended this country. For generations of Missourians, Jefferson Barracks has been a place where servicemembers trained, veterans were cared for, families honored loved ones, and our military history was preserved for those who came after them. As Jefferson Barracks marks its 200th anniversary, I am proud to honor its legacy and the countless Americans who have served there. Its history reflects the strength, patriotism, and commitment to service that define Missouri, and I look forward to seeing that legacy continue for generations to come. ____________________