For over seventy five years, the Pershing Park Memorial Association (PPMA) has dedicated itself to keeping the memory of General of the Armies of the United States John J. Pershing alive. Our mission is to construct a living and lasting memorial to the extraordinary service and sacrifice of General Pershing. One strategic component remains. We have nearly reached our goal with the 2012 purchase of a 7,800 square foot building in Laclede, Missouri. This structure will be the Pershing Memorial Museum and Leadership Archives.
General Pershing honorably retired from the US Army in 1924. He spent much of his retirement establishing memorials in Europe for fallen soldiers. Pershing was an extremely modest man, never pursuing honors in his own name. In 1930 a group of Missouri visionaries founded the Pershing Park Memorial Association (PPMA) to establish a lasting tribute to one of America's greatest military leaders. Present efforts are now focused on the Pershing Memorial Museum and Historical Archives to be located in Pershing’s hometown Laclede, Missouri, on the State Historical Site. Significant activities completed by the PPMA include:
The Association, made up of volunteers. has a consistent track record for successful projects as follows:
In 1931, the PPMA purchased 2,450 acres located six miles west of Laclede along the banks of Locust Creek in Linn County, Missouri. PPMA members constructed a picnic area and started planning for a State Park on the grounds. In 1937 the land was given to the Missouri Parks Board and Pershing State Park was established. Today, the park has grown to well over 5,000 acres and contains one of America's finest natural wetland prairies. Pershing Park hosts thousands of visitors annually to camp, explore the nature trail and enjoy the great outdoors.
Saved the Pershing Home in 1948 and sold it to the State Park system in 1952.

Relocated the General's Bronze statue from Jefferson City to Laclede in 1977.

Relocated the one room Prairie Mound School in 1982, where Pershing taught grades one-eight.


Purchased the new museum in 2012.

Purchased the land for the War Mothers statue and garden in 2015. Please go to the War Mothers tab for the complete story.