A simple marker graces the site. Its plaque reads:
Battle of Island Mound
Here, on October 29, 1862 was the first crucible to test the mettle of formerly enslaved black men during the Civil War.
Here, a group of volunteers faced battle with the certainty of only two outcomes -- victory or death -- for there would be no quarter given to a black man who had taken up arms.
Here, in uniforms issued on behalf of a country that had not yet emancipated them, they revealed courage and tenacity under fire.
Here, the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry defeated a force rebellious to the Federal government laying to rest doubts that former slaves could perform as soldiers.
Here, their bravery and determination helped our nation better understand the founding fathers' words "all men are created equal."
Here, on October 27, 2012 we memorialize their victory and the American freedoms they fought for so bravely.