THE STATE OF LIBERTY

In the year 1815, Charles Hemingway established the first permanent settlement along the Liberty River. The unincorporated community was titled “River City.” The settlers had built a small village with a town hall, bank, and general store. Hemingway constructed a watermill along the river, later known as “Hemingway’s Mill.” The village prospered, and many migrated to River City because of its geographical location. On March 8th, 1818, the State of Liberty was founded. The first three counties of Liberty, Cumberland, and Ryland were established, River City became the capital city of the state, along with the creation of a local government. Over time, the city continued to expand, and transportation, businesses, and factories were constructed in the River City Metropolitan Area. The City of Springfield was founded in Liberty County during this time, and both municipalities share many of the same political, educational, and cultural institutions. Decades later, the State of Liberty had seceded from the union, following in the footsteps of other southern states. Liberty infantry and cavalry regiments were organized and participated in numerous battles during the Civil War. However, after the capture of the Mississippi River and the defeat in the Vicksburg Campaign, the State of Liberty was left vulnerable. On January 4th, 1864, Union Forces stepped onto Liberty soil. Beauregard Augustus was a Confederate major during the Civil War. Augustus fortified the Liberty Valley while in command of the 3rd Liberty Infantry Regiment. On January 7th, 1864, the XVII Corps and 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery Regiment perched on the hills of Liberty Valley and began bombarding River City. Meanwhile, the XVII Corps marched into Springfield. Suddenly, Confederate troops who took cover in the windows of buildings and houses engaged in combat. After 6 hours, the regiment colonel had surrendered his troops. Bombardment continued for two days, and 80% of River Cities' infrastructure was destroyed. After the Confederacy surrendered during the Civil War, the city was rebuilt and grew during Reconstruction. In 1859, the Liberty County Sheriff's Office was founded. The department comprised 82 paid deputies, and Foot Patrols and Mounted Police were organized. In 1885 The River City Fire Rescue was officially established after four volunteer fire companies served the city. The department purchased its first steam and chemical engines. More than a century later, the city continues to improve and modernize.