Wilson’s Creek Battlefield acquires land from developer

The land, once the site of Confederate troop encampments, was endangered when developer Steve Redford proposed a 2,000-acre housing development for it more than a year ago, said April McDonough, executive director of the foundation.

Redford, of Missouri Partners Inc., agreed to sell 141 acres of the land to the foundation for $921,200. Redford is donating another 16 acres.

Congress in October 2004 declared the land as one of six parcels significant to the battlefield that should be preserved.

The land sits west of the battlefield across ZZ Highway and includes Moody Springs and early American Indian settlements.

The battlefield foundation gave an initial payment of $50,000 toward the total purchase price of the land, which officials hope will be acquired by the National Park Service.

The Civil War Preservation Trust in Washington, D.C., today donated $50,000 to be used for the purchase of the land.

In July, Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt secured $1.2 million for the battlefield to purchase more of the 615 acres of land that officials say are crucial to the preservation of the battle’s history.