Our Story

During the early part of the Civil War, Western Missouri was infested with bands of guerrillas, and it was no uncommon occurrence for some of these lawless gangs to cross the border and commit depredations in Kansas.

To guard against these incursions, and otherwise to aid the Union cause, a company of border scouts was formed in the year 1862. As it was an independent organization, never regularly mustered into the United States service, no official record of it has been preserved.

The men composing the company became known as "Red Legs," from the fact that they wore leggings of red or tan-colored leather. It was a secret Union military society, organized in late 1862 by General Thomas Ewing and James Blunt for desperate service along the border, and numbered as many as 100 men.

"There was not one of them but performed valuable service for the Union cause, and, so far as I know and believe, always within the rules of civilized warfare."

The qualifications for membership in the company were unquestioned loyalty to the Union cause, undaunted courage, and the skillful use of the rifle or revolver.

It is enough to say for the propriety and wisdom of such an organization as the Red Legs, that it did more to protect the homes of Kansas than any regiment in the service, and was the organization of all others most dreaded by William Quantrill.

(Left): Hanging oak near Six Mile Tavern · (Top right): A view of the Missouri River · (Bottom right): The Six Mile House. Photo Courtesy of Kansas Historical Quarterlies

We carry forward this legacy of boldness, hospitality, and uncompromising character in everything we serve.