The once-thriving river village of Athens, Missouri, had up to fifty businesses and a large mill in antebellum times.

Wanting to seize the strategically important village for the Confederacy, elements of the pro-Southern Missouri State Guard attacked on August 5, 1861.

This along with the coming of railroads and less reliance on river shipping sealed the fate of Athens.

In 1962, remaining area residents worked together to create the Battle of Athens Park, which was donated to the state of Missouri in 1975.

[4][5] In addition to interpretive programs and free tours of the Thome-Benning House, the site offers facilities for camping and fishing plus three picnicking areas and two hiking trails.