First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Monument – Butler, Missouri
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 15.498 W 094° 19.954
15S E 383413 N 4235314
Monument honoring African-American Civil War Regiment in Butler, Missouri
Waymark Code: WMNJMD
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/24/2015
Views: 4
Monument is located on the Bates County Courthouse grounds. It features a bronze life-sized statue of a single black soldier and was designed by sculptor Joel Randall. The statue is titled "The Battle of Island Mound." The statue stands on a stone base with a plaque inscribed:
"First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry"
The 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry fought and won the Battle of Island Mound, also known as The Battle at Fort Toothman on October 28 & 29, 1862 in Charlotte Township approx 7.5 miles southwest of Butler. It is said to have been the only battle fought on Bates County soil, in which regular U.S. troops were involved. The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was the first black unit to fight in the Civil War. Reportedly Southern rebels outnumbered the black troops five to one, attacked the fort in fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued.
Of the Kansas Infantry's involvement it was written, "They Fought Like Tigers"
"First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry"
They Fought Like Tigers
Founded & Organized by
The Amen Society