A crowd of about 70 people gathered Saturday morning at the Bates County Museum to learn about the most recent findings of the archaeological survey being conducted at the Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site. The day’s event began with viewing artifacts and learning how they are cleaned, cataloged, and processed. The visitors came from as far away as Leavenworth, Kansas City, Belton/Raymore, Lee’s Summit, and Nevada. Four siblings who attended are direct descendants of Rufus Vann, a member of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry. Ron Toothman also attended but he has yet to find a direct link to Enoch & Christiana Toothman whose farm was commandeered by the 1st KCVI in 1862.
Following the presentation, the group traveled by caravan to the site. Speakers at the site included State Parks Deputy Director, Jim Reinard and Archaeologist, Ann Raab. Mr. Reinard detailed the battle that occurred in October 1862 and Ann Raab discussed the specifics of the dig site.
Visitors then mingled with the archaeologists as they continued working in various ‘pits’. The work witnessed is tedious and precise. New to the site is a sign designating the area as, “The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site – Planned for official opening in the fall of 2012.”
- our thanks to Peggy Buhr and Nita Thompson (photos)
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