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BATTLE OF WESTPORT COMMEMORATION APRIL 29, 2006

BATTLE OF WESTPORT COMMEMORATION APRIL 29, 2006
CANNON DEDICATION AND CIVIL WAR HISTORY TOURS AT BYRAM’S FORD
BY MONNETT BATTLE OF WESTPORT FUND
The Monnett Battle of Westport Fund, announced the installation in Kansas City, Missouri of the replica artillery piece with limber at the site of Pratt’s Artillery Battery on the Big Blue Battlefield at Byrum’s Ford. Daniel L. Smith, Chairman of the Monnett Fund, stated that the 12-pound Napoleon cannon was one of four artillery pieces which were fired from this location on the third day of the Battle of Westport, 23 October 1864. Smith noted that the Battle of Westport was the largest battle of the Civil War fought west of the Mississippi River.
The placement of the gun marks the conclusion of a long effort by the Monnett Fund to secure it for this location. In 1988 Orvis Fitts, past Chairman of the Monnett Fund and President Jack Brooks prepared a plan for the creation of an artillery fund to acquire a replica gun at Byram’s Ford.
This plan was renewed in the Monnett Fund’s Interpretive and Development Plan issued in 2002. In July 2002, Smith on behalf of the Monnett Fund made an presentation for the proposed artillery monument to the Kansas City Public Improvements committee (PI AC) for the 5th District. Through the efforts and support of 5th District councilwoman Becky Nace and councilman Terry Riley, the PIAC funding of $28,000.00 was approved for the acquisition in 2004 by the Kansas City Parks Department.
On December 22, 2005, Kansas City Parks Department architect Stephen Abbott oversaw the final installation with the hoisting into place of the carriage and cannon barrel. The cannon is sited toward the location of Byram’s Ford as shown in the accompanying photograph.
The installation of the cannon project marks the successful completion of the one of the intermediate term objectives of the Monnett Fund’s Development Plan for Byram’s Ford.
The Monnett Fund is hosting a commemoration ceremony on the occasion of the cannon’s placement. Monnett Fund members Betty Ergovich and Alana Smith are chairing the committee planning the event which will be held on Saturday April 29, 2006. Mayor Kay Barnes and other dignitaries will participate in the dedication ceremony of the cannon.
This commemoration of the Battle of Westport promises to recreate the history of Civil War times in Kansas City for those attending. There will be living history demonstrations at encampments of Civil War reenactors including James Speicher, President of the Civil War Round Table of Kansas City and James Beckner, First Vice-president of the Monnett Fund. They will be firing a replica cannon and providing small arms demonstrations through the course of the day.
The ceremony and events on April 29, will be held near the lower level of the east side of the Kansas City Water Department headquarters building, at 4800 E.63rd Street, Kansas City, Missouri which is near the north entrance to Swope Park.
The events at the ceremony site will begin at 10:00 a.m.with the opening of exhibits of artifacts and historical displays on the site of the ceremony. The dedication ceremony will commence at 11:30 a.m.
Orvis Fitts and Jack Brooks, veteran tour guides of the Battle of Wesport, will be present to recreate one of Kansas City’s most historic events as they describe the epic battles that surged over and around Byram’s Ford during the two days of October 22 and 23, 1864.
During the celebration, the Monnett Fund will be sharing with the public its vision for the completion of the next phase in the eventual restoration of the Big Blue Battlefield. Substantial portions of the Battlefield are on the National Register of Historic Places including the Byram’s Ford Site and remaining traces of the historic Byram’s Ford Road.
The event marks the start of the Monnett Fund’s capital campaign for battlefield restoration of this important portion of the Battle of Westport. Byram’s Ford represents one of the few places in Kansas City where the actual sites of the Battle of Westport remain undisturbed and accessible to the public. Working with the Kansas City Parks Department, the Monnett Fund aims to complete the necessary funding and restoration work by the time of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War in April 2011.
Those who would like to attend the luncheon hosted by the Monnett Fund following the dedication ceremony are requested to contact the Fund to make a reservation. The cost of the luncheon is $12.00 and will be served by the Fund at the battlefield. Luncheon reservations may be made by telephone to (816) 561-1821 at the Westport Historical Society offices or by email to: battleofwestport1864.com. Daniel Smith, chairman of the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund, may be reached by telephone at 913 345-2000.

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BATTLE OF WESTPORT COMMEMORATION APRIL 29, 2006
COMMEMORATION CANCELLED