Remember the movie Glory? Starring Denzel Washington, the movie told the story of the 54th Massachusetts, a black regiment that fought during the Civil War. Well thanks to that movie, many folks think that the 54th was the first engagement of black troops.
Not true. Next week marks the 146th anniversary of the first engagement of black troops. On Oct 27-29, 1862, in Bates County, Mo., two battalions of the First Kansas Colored Infantry skirmished with Confederate guerrillas at a site known as Island Mound. This happened nearly six months before the federal government officially authorized the use of black troops.
Not true. Next week marks the 146th anniversary of the first engagement of black troops. On Oct 27-29, 1862, in Bates County, Mo., two battalions of the First Kansas Colored Infantry skirmished with Confederate guerrillas at a site known as Island Mound. This happened nearly six months before the federal government officially authorized the use of black troops.
The soldiers had commandeered a Southern sympathizer’s log home for their home base and named it Fort Africa. A small detail of about 30 troops engaged more than 100 Confederate Guerillas. They fought bravely and the action caused a stir in the nation, as the troops proved that blacks were willing to fight for the nation.
The state has purchased 40 acres of the farm where the battle took place, including Fort Africa, and plans to open it to the public in time for the Civil War 150th anniversary in 2011.
Bates County recently unveiled a statue commemorating the battle. It sits on the square in Butler. Here are some photos of the statue with the sculptor and the re-enactor who posed for it.
Bates County recently unveiled a statue commemorating the battle. It sits on the square in Butler. Here are some photos of the statue with the sculptor and the re-enactor who posed for it.
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