Friday, August 9, 2013

Order No. 11 in Bates County‏

~ORDER NO. 11~
Evacuation and Burning of Bates County 150 Years Ago
Commemoration Events Planned at Bates County Museum
 
In August 1863, Union General Thomas Ewing issued the infamous Order No. 11 ordering the total depopulation and burning of Bates County.  The “Burnt District” included Cass, Jackson and Vernon counties but only Bates Co. suffered total loss.  The people and the landscape were forever changed.  The Bates County Museum will host two events to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Order No. 11 and the public is invited to come learn about those dark days of Civil War. 

Dr. Jeremy Neely, Bates County native and professor at Missouri State University, will present a program for the Museum’s Annual Heritage Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, August 22, 2013 titled, “The Reunions of Quantrill’s Men.”  The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a Free Will Donation Dinner of BBQ Pork, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Dessert & Drinks, catered by Butt-head BBQ, and Jeremy’s presentation will begin at 7:30 pm.  Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence, Kansas occurred 4 days before the issuance of Order No. 11. 

On Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 10:00 am the Museum will host a variety of speakers and presentations to tell the stories of the people and places here in Bates County.  “Forever Changed – Order No. 11 in Bates County,” will include music by Hank Roberts & Landon Elmer, Phyllis Stewart & Beverly Sullins will tell about Papinville and the Barrows House, Melissa Phillips will tell of Gen. Ewing’s post-war connection to Bates County, a re-enactor will ‘issue’ Order No. 11and a ‘March of Refugees’ will begin as their stories are told.  Author Tom Rafiner will have his latest book, Cinders and Silence, available for sale and signing. Weather permitting, a replica cabin will be torched and burned.  Following the presentations a Free Will Donation luncheon of Smoked Hamburgers, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Dessert & Drinks will be served.

The public is invited to attend these remembrances to gain a better understanding of the hardships suffered during the Civil War in this area.  What happened here 150 years ago has never happened anywhere else in America.  It is important to remember and to pay tribute to the men, women and children who became refugees of War with the issuance of Order No. 11. 

Events held at Robertson Hall, Bates County Museum, 802 Elks Dr., Butler, Missouri  Call 660-679-0134 for further information (Tues-Fri 9:30am-4:00pm) or email.


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