Jefferson City, MO - The first-ever Civil War engagement involving Black soldiers occurred on Missouri soil, not far from Butler in Bates County. The momentous event will be commemorated at one of Missouri’s newest state historic sites, Battle of Island Mound from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

Much of what is known about this event comes from military records of the time or from oral histories. In this program, Dr. Ann Raab will share her experiences working as an archeologist at the historic site, as well as the social and cultural considerations of properly memorializing this moment in time.

This presentation is sponsored by the Missouri Speakers Bureau, jointly organized and managed by Missouri Humanities and the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Watkins Mill State Park is located at 26600 Park Road N, Lawson. For more information, call 816-580-3387.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.