Missouri played a pivotal role in the American Civil War; only Virginia and Tennessee saw more fighting and more battles than the “Show-Me” State. In the southwestern corner of the state, combat that would determine whether Missouri would be a Union or Confederate stronghold played out on key battlefields. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield protects the site of such an engagement in August 1861, but the issue was hardly decided in one day.
Two crucial Civil War battles were fought in and around the small community of Newtonia, Missouri, a short distance from the battlefield at Wilson’s Creek, that helped to decide the state’s fate in the war. The first, fought in September 1862, was among the very few Civil War engagements that included Native Americans fighting on both sides. The second battle at Newtonia in October 1864 was the last major engagement of the Civil War in Missouri.
Legislation to expand the boundaries of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to incorporate the site of these engagements has been introduced by Senator Roy Blunt and Representative Billy Long (S3307 and HR6130). While this boundary expansion does not immediately bring preserved lands at Newtonia into the national park, it is the critical first step that makes such a transfer possible. We encourage you to support these bills to ensure this part of American history is protected in perpetuity by the National Park Service.
The inclusion of these critical acres inside the National Park System has the support of the Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association, the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation and the American Battlefield Trust. To date, 25 acres have been preserved by local preservation groups, including the historic Ritchie House, one of the few remaining structures to witness the battle. The Trust is proud to have been involved in that transaction.
The fate of this legislation will be decided by the end of the year, so please take a moment to visit our Speak Out page and contact your legislators now. Time is especially precious because Senator Blunt, a longtime advocate for the national park and battlefield preservation in general, is retiring when his term concludes in early January.
Your voice matters: Help us secure the future of these important battlefield lands and ensure a fuller interpretation of related historical events within the park. Send a letter to your legislators today.
Sincerely,
Jim Campi, Chief Policy and Communications Officer
American Battlefield Trust