Wilson's Creek Battlefield receives funds

U.S. Sen. Jim Talent secured money in the Interior Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2006 and announced the funding July 16 at the battlefield.

The appropriation will fund the purchase of six parcels of property surrounding the battlefield. Regional growth puts the historical site at risk, said Rich Chrismer of Talent’s office.

“The money will be used to purchase land bordering the current battlefield boundaries, which will protect the battlefield from development for significant resources,” Chrismer said. “It’ll protect the field so it can be preserved.”

The bill also allows the acquisition of the Sweeney Museum property and collections of private Civil War artifacts.

The battlefield, 6424 W. Farm Road 182 in Republic, is the site of the first Civil War battle in the West. Re-enactments of the battle are held at the battlefield each year.