Battle Of Island Mound State Historic Site Shelters

Open — The picnic shelter is currently open for reservations year-round.

About

Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is located in rural Bates County in western Missouri and preserves 40 acres of the Civil War battle site where the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry first engaged Confederate forces on October 29, 1862. This marked the first time African American soldiers fought in combat during the Civil War, nearly a year before the more famous battle depicted in the film Glory. The historic site includes Fort Africa, where the regiment camped before the battle. The site features a reservable open picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people, providing a shaded area for reflection and picnicking. The 0.6-mile Courage Trail loops through restored prairie typical of southwestern Missouri and includes wayside exhibits and the Courage Monument that interpret the battle and the legacy of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry. A central kiosk provides additional information about the battle. This unstaffed day-use 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. The peaceful setting provides an opportunity to learn about this significant milestone in Civil War and African American military history.

Directions

The Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is located at 4837 NW County Road 1002, Butler, MO, approximately 8 miles southwest of Butler off Highway K in Bates County.

Nearby Campgrounds