Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site accepted into National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

For more information: 573-751-1010
Volume 41-071   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site was recently accepted into the National Park Services’ “National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.” Sites selected for inclusion in the Network to Freedom make a significant contribution to the understanding of the Underground Railroad in American history.  

Battle of Island Mound, the newest historic site in Missouri State Parks, was dedicated on October 28, 2012, on the 150^th anniversary of the actual battle. The Battle of Island Mound marked the first time that African-American troops were engaged in Civil War combat. Battle of Island Mound State Historic site encompasses Fort Africa, where the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry were camped in 1862 before a pitched battle with pro-Confederate forces near a low hill named Island Mound. 

The site features a kiosk with three large interpretive panels and additional interpretive panels located along Courage Trail explain how the battle occurred and the significance of its outcome. The bravery of these men is reflected in a monument to them that concludes “…Here their bravery and determination helped our nation better understand the founding fathers’ words “all men are created equal.”

The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is located in Bates County, Missouri about 7 miles west of Butler, Missouri. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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