1st Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers - Honey Springs Battlefield - Checotah, Oklahoma
Posted by: 
gparkes
N 35° 31.821 W 095° 29.162
15S E 274595 N 3934702
Located at the Honey Springs Battlefield, this is one of four markers for unit participation.
Waymark Code: WM7XHP
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 12/18/2009
Views: 12
Marker states:
1st Regiment
Kansas Colored Volunteers
1863 - 1865
On July 17, 1963, at the Battle of Honey Springs, the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers wrote a stirring page in American history, becoming one of the first Black Units of the Civil War to play a key role in a Union victory, as Major General James G. Blunt. The Union Commander at Honey Springs reported: "The first Kansas (Colored) Particlarly distinguished itself, they fought like veterans, and preserved their line unbroken throughout the engagement. Their coolness and bravery I have never seen surpassed. They were in the hottest of the fight and opposed to Texas Troops twice their number, whom they completely routed."
Consisting largely of escaped slaves from Arkansas and Missouri, on January 13, 1863, the 1st Kansas became the fourth Black Regiment to officially enter Federal Servie. Later redesignated as the 79th U.S. Colored Infantry, this command fought with conspicuous bravery in Missouri, Indian Territory, Kansas and Arkansas. Mustered out in October 1865, the 1st Kansas suffered a total of 177 men killed in action more combat casualties than any other Kansas regiment.
Presented by
The Community Heritage Recognition Committee
July 17, 1988
Amanda Fuhr Watts, Chairman
The history of the area is very interesting. This battle is part of a much larger campaign spanning from 1861 to 1863. To get a better understanding of the battle, take a look at the waymark for the Honey Springs Battlefield.