That weekend marks the the 150th Anniversary of the "The Skirmish at Island Mound", the first engagement of the Civil War fought by an African American Regiment - the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
I know that a series of events are being coordinated during the weekend as part of the dedication and expect details to be forthcoming.
The success of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers on the field at Island Mound definitively settled any lingering debate regarding the use of African Americans as soldiers by the Union. Accounts of the fight were widely reported in contemporary newspapers (even as far away as New Zealand).
One week after the fight, James M. Williams, Commander of the 1st KCV issued an order that stated in part, "The commanding officer desires to return his thanks to the officers and men of his command for the meritorious part they performed in the action at Island Mound on the 29th ult. It is always pleasant to pass the customary gratulations upon the success of friends, and particularly so on this occasion of the triumphant success of our cause, i.e., to show to the country that the heart of our colored men is fired with the same patriotic impulses, honorable ambition and martial courage that in all countries and in all ages have in peace animated the spirits of the industrial classes who have in war filled the ranks of armies with courageous, loyal soldiers."
Just a few weeks after the engagement Kansas Senator Samuel C. Pomeroy personally brought an account of the engagement to the attention of President Lincoln who responded in part with, "My Dear Senator - I wish you would express to your young friend, Lieutenant Hinton, and to the gallant officers and men associated with him, my gratification at the report which you have read to me today."
Harper's Weekly dedicated the centerfold engraving of its March 14, 1863, edition to Thomas Nast's depiction of the fight, which was the first graphical depiction of a former slave turned Union soldier striking down the enemy. This engraving was effectively a recruiting poster for subsequent African American regiments.
Towards the end of the 19th Century, when Williams and others were working in Washington for back pay and proper acknowledgement of the officers and men of the regiment that fought at Island Mound, the US Senate stated, "The discipline acquired and the courage displayed by the First Kansas Colored Volunteers in camp and on the field during the last months of 1862, influenced the action of President Lincoln in issuing his proclamation of New Years Day, 1863,... and forecasted the freedom and citizenship of persons of African descent."
When I began my research into Island Mound and the officers and men of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers some 15 years ago, I could only image that someday this historic action would be so commemorated!
It's going to be a special weekend and hope that there is a tremendous turnout.
Semper Fi,
Chris Tabor
Katy, TX