“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 and 29, 1862, in Charlotte Township about 7.5 miles southwest of Butler. It is said to have been the only battle fought on Bates County soil involving regular U.S. troops. The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was the first black unit to fight in the Civil War. Southern rebels reportedly outnumbered the black troops five to one, attacked the fort, and fierce hand-to-hand combat followed. Of the Kansas infantry's involvement, it was written, "They Fought Like Tigers."

Butler, Missouri · United States