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Efforts to preserve battlefield honored
In January, 1999, three men became the founders of the Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation, originated with the goal of assisting the Kansas State Historical Society's quest to preserve, protect and interpret the Mine Creek Battlefield for future generations. These three men were John Spencer, Arnold Schofield and Kip lindberg.
On April 19, 2008, this organization -- now, with 10 members on the board directors -- was honored with one of only five national awards handed out by the Civil War Preservation Trust at an annual banquet held in Springfield, Mo.
The award was given as a token to the dedication and effort put into the organization by all members involved and to credit them for their appropriation and preservation of civil war history.
MCBF has been a key factor in obtaining approximately 326 total acres of what is believed to be the 1,000 acre battlefield. Since the 1970's, when efforts to preserve the battlefield began, the non-profit organization along with the KSHS has been able to; employ a full-time superintendent along with four part time employees, establish three walking trails throughout the battlefield with 40 wayside exhibits and acquired approximately $100,000 to build a visitor's center at the site.
Schofield, a current board member said, while, his father was the reason he became so passionate about the civil war, he continues his pursuit to uncover civil war history for future generations.
"This is a major battle of the civil war, fought right here. I went to school here and we didn't learn anything about this battle (Mine Creek.) I don't think it is still that way but, it was when we were children," he said.
The battle was initiated near Pleasanton in 1864, when approximately 2,800 Union troops attacked and defeated about 8,000 Confederate soldiers at the banks of Mine Creek. This is believed to be one of the largest -- if not the largest -- cavalry battles in the Civil War and was the only major battle fought in Kansas. The Union brigades were commanded by Colonels Frederick W. Benteen and John F. Philips. After this battle, Federal forces pursued and defeated additional Confederates in Missouri as they attempted to return to Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Pleasanton, Kan., will be holding its second annual Pleasanton Days celebration, the weekend of October 4, in honor of Alfred Pleasanton, the civil war general for whom the town was named after. The celebration is slated to include, weapon demonstrations, period music and living re-enactments from the civil war period.
For more information on the Battle of Mine Creek Foundation or to view attractions and exhibits at the site visit the organizations Web site at, www.minecreek.org. For information on the Kansas State Historical Society visit, www.kshs.org.