Battle Of Island Mound State Historic Site Shelters

About

Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site preserves the location where the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry became the first Black regiment to engage in combat during the Civil War on October 29, 1862. Made up mostly of former slaves who had escaped from Missouri and Arkansas, these soldiers used the Toothman Farm as their headquarters, renaming it "Fort Africa." Though outnumbered, they fought with what was described as "desperate bravery." The special-use camping area provides a primitive group camping experience with vault toilets, picnic tables, and a shared fire pit. This is tent-only camping with no potable water, showers, or hookups available. Campers should come prepared to be self-sufficient with their own water supply. The site features the 0.6-mile Courage Trail that loops through restored prairie typical of southwestern Missouri. Wayside exhibits and the Courage Monument interpret the battle and the legacy of the regiment. This unstaffed facility is managed by Stockton State Park and serves as a partner site in Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Directions

Located at 4837 NW County Road 1002, Butler, MO 64730, approximately 8 miles southwest of Butler in Bates County.