History Makes the Present

Weekly report from Senator David Pearce

Recently, Missouri’s newest state park facility opened to the public. The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site in Butler was celebrated with several occasions during late October, including living history demonstrations and exhibits.

The significance of this site might seem less than some others, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The Battle of Island Mound took place Oct. 27 through Oct. 29, 1862. While many important battles were fought on Missouri’s soil during the Civil War, Island Mound stood at the junction of one of the basic tenants of the fighting. This confrontation was the first known instance of an African-American regiment going into battle for the U.S. These men, former slaves from Missouri and Arkansas, had been formed into a regiment out of Kansas, even before the U.S. accepted African-Americans into military service.

The state park that now takes its name from this historic conflict is made up of several landmarks from the battle. Camp Africa was the site upon which this regiment, which was renamed the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry after the U.S. Military began taking in African-American soldiers, camped prior to taking the hill called Island Mound. There are physical interpretations of the battle, marked with signage, along the trails, offering information about the sites.

In the 31st Senatorial District, we also have another beautiful historic site. Osage Village State Historic Site, located in Vernon County, features outdoor exhibits along a walking trail that help visitors recreate what this native village of 2,000-3,000 inhabitants might have looked like between 1700-1775. The splendid views and open meadows combine perfectly with the chance to learn a little more about local history.

Missouri is full of both beauty and history. The opening of this state park, held in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Island Mound, is just one more reason to get out and take advantage of our own back yards. The site is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Please don’t overlook this wonderful opportunity that awaits you.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.