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ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Gov. Jay Nixon has signed an executive order establishing the Missouri Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.

The Democrat signed the order Friday during an appearance at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis County.

The goals of the new 10-member commission will include raising awareness and understanding of the state's role in the Civil War. The panel will also work to promote cultural tourism related to the Civil War.

Nixon noted that only two other states experienced more Civil War battles than Missouri did, and Missourians fought on both sides.

Jefferson Barracks was the military post where future Civil War leaders Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis and William T. Sherman once served.