The first known instance of an African-American regiment engaging Confederate forces in combat during the American Civil War.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 29, 1862
- Location
- Bates County, Missouri
- Outcome
- Union victory
- Regiment origin
- Trained in Kansas, mostly former slaves from Missouri and Arkansas
- Historic site designated
- 2012, Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A Kansas regiment composed largely of escaped former slaves from Missouri and Arkansas was recruited and trained during the Civil War. Amid rising tensions in Bates County, Missouri, Confederate forces moved against the Union position, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the newly formed African-American unit.
On October 29, 1862, the outnumbered African-American Kansas regiment clashed with Confederate forces at Island Mound in Bates County, Missouri. Despite being outnumbered, the regiment held its position and fought with what The New York Times described as 'desperate bravery,' securing a Union victory in the skirmish.
The engagement became the first known combat action by an African-American regiment against Confederate forces in the Civil War, demonstrating the fighting capability of Black soldiers. The Kansas regiment was subsequently incorporated into the Union Army as United States Colored Troops, and the site was preserved as a state historic site in 2012.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent