Saturday, May 12, 2012

“The Battle of Lone Jack” coming to the Bates County Museum

On Saturday, May 19th at 10:00 am, the Museum will present another free program in Robertson Hall and invites the public to come hear about one of the bloodiest battles fought in Missouri during the Civil War. In August 1862, the Battle of Lone Jack was waged and many men from Bates County fought there. Alinda Miller, President of the Lone Jack Historical Society will discuss the battle and will share about the upcoming 150th Battle of Lone Jack Re-enactment scheduled for August 18th & 19th of this year.

Lone Jack is one of the few remaining battlefields where the soldiers who died are still buried in trenches on the grounds of the Lone Jack Museum. Efforts are currently underway to save a large portion of undeveloped battlefield and Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area has partnered with the Lone Jack Historical Society in securing a grant to aid in the preservation. Mrs. Miller will also tell the story of Lucinda Cave, the only woman to die from wounds suffered during the battle.

President Harry Truman was instrumental in securing a small portion of the battlefield and was present for the grand opening of the Lone Jack Museum in 1963. As a child, President Truman often accompanied his family to the annual commemoration picnics and Lone Jack always held a warm place in his heart.

The story of events that occurred at Lone Jack is compelling and the Bates County connection is strong. You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and learn about one more fascinating story of our Civil War history.

-our thanks to Peggy Buhr

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