Free Christmas open house at Mine Creek Battlefield today

PLEASANTON, Kan. -- Santa's coming a little early to Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site. He's bringing free admission for all visitors Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21, along with a wealth of Kansas gifts, including children's games, books, CDs, videos, and more. The visitor center and store will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, and is located approximately three miles south of Pleasanton on K-52.

Featured in the store will be new books on the Civil War, including God Rest Ye Merry Soldiers: A True Civil War Christmas Story by James McIvor, a collection of soldier letters, humor, poetry, and songs. Other new titles include books about a Civil War spy, Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War submarine, and besieged Richmond, Va.

Members of the Kansas State Historical Society, Inc., receive discounts on museum store purchases. Gift memberships are available at the Mine Creek Battlefield store.

About the site: The Battle of Mine Creek was one of the largest cavalry battles in the Civil War and the largest battle in Kansas. Approximately 2,800 Union troops attacked and defeated nearly 8,000 Confederates along the banks of Mine Creek. After the battle, Federal forces pursued the Confederates in Missouri as they attempted to return to Arkansas, Indian Territory (Oklahoma), and eventually Texas. The visitor center is open 9:30 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

The Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site is one of 16 state historic sites operated by the Kansas Historical Society, a state agency. For information call (913) 352-8890 or visit kshs.org/places/minecreek.

The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. The Historical Society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.