Our community, Butler, Missouri will be unveiling and dedicating a life size bronze statue of the 1st Colored Kansas Soldier. Known as the Battle of Island Mound or Battle of Fort Toothman was 8 miles SW of Butler in late October 29, 1862, YES, '62! It was said, "the black devils fought like tigers" . They were outnumbered 5 to 1 and WON! Comprised of runaway slaves and freed men organized by Kansas US Senator James Lane in August of 1862 they were the first all black unit to be recruited and enlisted. They were the first to see combat and to fight alongside white troops. Word spread back East quickly and promoted acceptance of black soldiers and paved the way for additional African-American regiments. Wide-spread doubts that African-Americans would not make good soldiers were resoundly refuted by the performance of Black soldiers at Island Mound.
We are hoping to make this a 2 day event and draw a large crowd. Please make plans to come to Butler, Missouri October 11 & 12 for the celebration 146 years after this monumental battle.
