“First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry”
They Fought Like Tigers
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 and fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued.
Of the Kansas Infantry's involvement it was written, "They Fought Like Tigers"
Marker is at the intersection of Ohio Street and Delaware Street, on the left when traveling west on Ohio Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
