While writing Faces in the Smoke, I found the little-known Battle of Island Mound. 250 soldiers, many of whom belonged to the First Kansas (Colored) Volunteer Infantry, marched into Bates County, Missouri to break up a party of Rebel guerrillas operating along the Osage River. On the morning of October 29, 1862, the black soldiers found themselves engaged in their first significant combat. Despite the chaotic and violent conditions, the First Kansas displayed remarkable bravery and resilience. The sight of armed black men standing their ground and effectively repelling the enemy was a powerful and unprecedented moment in the war. For more details on this skirmish, you may visit https://www.mostateparks.com/park/battle-island-mound-state-historic-site The battlefield has been preserved, and a 22-minute video is available at https://youtu.be/62qBm-Hvp2s |
