WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) and U.S. Representative Billy Long (Mo.) have introduced legislation to add elements of Newtonia Battlefield to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a unit of the National Park Service (NPS). The bill would expand the boundaries of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to includeacres that are relevant to the Newtonia Battlefield site. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (Mo.) is an original cosponsor of the bill.
“Newtonia Battlefield would be a valuable addition to the National Park System,” said Blunt. “As the site of two Civil War battles, including the last major engagement fought in Missouri, the history of Newtonia is important to gaining a better understanding of the deadliest war in U.S. history and how it impacted our state and nation.Making Newtonia Battlefield a part of the National Park Service has long been a priority for the local community, which has spent years – and significant resources – to preserve the site. As a former history teacher, I’m proud to support efforts to help ensurefuture generations can visit the battlefield and learn more about its unique history.”
“Today, I introduced in the House a bill that would allow the Department of Interior to increase the size of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield,” said Long. “These additional 624 acres contain historical relevance to the Battle of Newtonia and should be included in the battlefield. The American people deserve to know the history of our Civil War and visiting the battlefields that helped shape our nation is an important way to learn our history firsthand. I am proud to be introducing this bill with Senators Blunt and Hawley in an effort to give the American people the chance to see their history for themselves.”
The bill is backed by the American Battlefield Trust and Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association.
“To understand the full scope of American history, we must consider out past collectively, rather than as disconnected events. Similarly, we often find that landscapes critical to imparting the narratives central to our current parks extend well beyond their borders. In such instances, it’s important that strong advocates for parks and for history pursue the legislative process to expand a park’s authorized boundary. Doing so incursno immediate cost to the federal government, but paves the way for opportunities that arise,” said David Duncan, President, American Battlefield Trust. “The American Battlefield Trust, its board and its members, are deeply appreciative for the leadership shown by Senators Blunt and Hawley, together with Representative Long, for taking that critical broader view of Missouri’s Civil War history and calling for the expansion of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to include land associated with the two battles fought at nearby Newtonia, ensuring that a more complete and nuanced understanding of the state’s role in that conflict can be shared with residents and visitors alike.”
“Since 2002 Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association has been working diligently to preserve 25 acres and the Ritchey Mansion at Newtonia. The Ritchey Mansion served as headquarters and hospital during the 1862 and 1864 battles, which occurred at Newtonia.
The 1862 battle saw the involvement of several Native American tribes, while the 1864 battle was one of the last battles fought west of the Mississippi River,” said Larry A James, President, Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association. “It has been the desire of NBPA that this property be preserved for future generations. Becoming a part of the National Park Service will guarantee preservation for many years to come.”
Two significant Civil War engagements were fought on the Newtonia Battlefield. The 1862 battle was among the very few Civil War engagements that included Native Americans fighting on both sides. The battle at Newtonia in 1864 was the last major engagement of the Civil War in Missouri.