I agree, the dedication was amazing (despite the stiff, frigid wind out of the North in the morning). Island Mound is a great addition as a Civil War and Missouri historical site, and it is your perseverance that has brought this one to regional, and hopefully, national recognition. As a study, this engagement is young, and hopefully more contemporary accounts from both sides will surface as it becomes more well known.

Also, in case he is reading, I wanted to express personal appreciation to Dr. Long for allowing us access to the portion of his property again (since he did so in 2008 as well) where it is believed some of the primary engagement occurred. It is a superb view of the battlefield and yields a sense of perspective not available at the Toothman homestead.