Missouri State Archaeologists Welcome Visitors to
The Battle of Island Mound Site
On Saturday, June 18th, visitors are invited to tour the Battle of Island Mound site and learn what Missouri State Archaeologists have discovered during their week-long survey and exactions at the location. The group arrived in Butler on June 11th and has conducted an archaeological survey of the 40 acre site owned by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Their work is a vital step in the process of developing the area into a Missouri State Historic Site. Plans call for building a parking lot, walking trails, and placing interpretive signs that will detail the battle.
Although the story is well-known to the residents of Bates County, the significance of the site continues to gain national notoriety as the location of the first military engagement by African-American troops during the Civil War. The 150th anniversary of the battle will be in October 2012 and the goal is to have the work completed by then in order to welcome visitors. Planning for a commemoration event has begun and details will be made available once confirmed.
A temporary artifact laboratory has been established at the Bates County Museum in Robertson Hall and all artifacts from the site will be cleaned and catalogued during the week. Visitors will be able to view the items found, travel to the site, hear an overview of the battle, learn about the current excavations, and tour the archaeological work. All those interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity are encouraged to call the museum and make a reservation. 660-679-0134. The Museum is located at 802 Elks Drive, Butler, Missouri. The schedule for Saturday, June 18th is as follows:
10:00 – 10:20 am – Gather at the Museum and Tour the Laboratory
10:20 – 10:40 am – Carpool to the Battle of Island Mound site
10-40 – 11:00 am – Battle Overview – Jim Rehard
11:00 – 11:20 am – Overview of the excavations to date - Ann Raab & Jane Lee
11:20 – 12:00 noon – Q&A – Tour of Archaeological Work
