Black Jack Battlefield in Running for $25,000 Grant - Your Vote Is Needed
Posted on Sep. 9th, 2010
John Brown (Kerry Altenbernd a long-time supporter of Black Jack restoration) looking for votes in the National Trust for Historic Preservation "This Place Matters" community challenge.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company are sponsoring a "This Place Matters"community challenge. The goal of the challenge is to involve as many participants as possible to vote for the project of their choice and encourage friends and family to do the same. $25,000 will be awarded to the project that receives the highest number of people voting for that project.
According to the This Place Matters website, "The goal of the This Place Matters Community Challenge is to rally as many people around the grassroots issues of preservation in our communities as possible. This means that unlike a traditional voting-contest, participants are allowed to align themselves with one organization, one time throughout the Challenge and recruit as many people as possible to do the same."
"I want to get the word out far and wide," wrote Kathy Quigley of Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park. Quigley continued, "The key to this contest is votes! Majority wins $25,000! So share it, share it, share it!"
According to the This Place Matters website, "At dawn on June 2, 1856, the abolitionist John Brown led a Free-State militia in an attack on the camp of a pro-slavery militia led by Henry Clay Pate that was encamped along the Santa Fe Trail in southeastern Douglas County, Kansas Territory.
Around 100 men fought an intense three hour battle that ended with Henry Clay Pate, the leader of the pro-slavery militia surrendering to Brown. This action became known as the Battle of Black Jack.
Brown himself called the action the first regular battle between Free-State and pro-slavery forces in Kansas. Previous "Bleeding Kansas" violence consisted of sackings, massacres, and other events in which a more powerful group quickly overwhelmed smaller unarmed or non-resisting groups and individuals.
The Battle of Black Jack was the first armed action in which two forces of comparable strength and determination fought in Kansas. It was the beginning of civil war combat in Kansas, where a growing number of historians agree that the American Civil War began.
The Battle of Black Jack is where John Brown began his armed war on slavery."
The Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park is located 6 miles west of Edgerton just south of U.S. Highway 56 on E 2000 Road.
John Brown (Kerry Altenbernd a long-time supporter of Black Jack restoration) looking for votes in the National Trust for Historic Preservation "This Place Matters" community challenge. 
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Carol von Tersch wrote on 9/12/2010 6:51 am
I think this is a terrific project. Please tell everyone in your address book to vote for Black Jack! Kansas is more than just something to fly over!
Kathy Quigley wrote on 9/10/2010 4:18 pm
If you could take a minute and vote for the Black Jack Battlefield it would be very much appreciated!
The park is open every day of the year from dawn till dusk for self guided tours. See the Santa Fe Trail ruts from days gone by. See the battlefield where John Brown began his war against slavery, and admire the Robert Hall Pearson Farmstead home on the top of the hill that was built by Pearson in 1890 some years after the battle. He fought alongside Brown in the battle and came back later to carve out a prosperous farm in Douglas County being the second resident in that county.
Guided tours are at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 17th.
The weekend of Oct. 16 & 17th (Maple Leaf Festival weekend) we have guided tours at 11, 1, and 3. All tours are free of charge!
Donations are accepted and appreciated!
VOTE NOW by clicking the link titles "This Place Matters".
Thank you for your continued support Gardner!
Avis wrote on 9/10/2010 10:00 am
Click on the 'This Place Matters' link in the first paragraph. It will take you through the quick & painless voting process.
Irene :Peer wrote on 9/10/2010 9:27 am
How do we vote?
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