Increase in Entrance Fees
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield has changed its entrance fee rates. The fees have changed from $3 per person or $5 per vehicle to $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. The Annual Park Pass has also changed from $15 to $20.
Entrance fees at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield have not changed since the mid-1990s. The changes reflect an increased value of the visitor experience with the inclusion of a new museum facility opened to visitors in August 2005.
Another change that will take effect will be persons 16 years of age or older will now be subject to entrance fees. This change is in compliance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, PL 108-447, signed into law by President George Bush on December 8, 2004. This law repeals previous legislation regarding the minimum age for which visitors are charged.
The majority of fee revenues collected at the site are to be used for improvements related to visitor use and enjoyment. Comments regarding the fee rate change can be directed to Chief Ranger John M. Sutton at (417) 732-2662, extension 225, or by mail to john_sutton@nps.gov.
Wilson's Creek NB Library Receives Missouri Soldier Microfilm
Thanks to a generous donation from the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, 972 reels of National Archives Compiled Service Record microfilm have been added to the collection of the Huston Library at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
This donation completes the library’s collection of National Archives Compiled Service Record microfilm of Union and Confederate soldiers from Missouri. The Huston Library currently has about 1,100 reels of microfilm containing detailed information on the service history of individual soldiers from Missouri and surrounding states.
National Archives CSR microfilm from other states will be added to the library’s holdings as funding becomes available.
Researchers are encouraged to examine the microfilm in person, although staff members will answer requests for information by e-mail (Jeffrey_Patrick@nps.gov), regular mail (6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic, MO, 65738) or telephone (417) 732-2662, extension 226.
Other recent donations to the library include portions of "Civil War Unit Histories: Regimental Histories and Personal Narratives," an extensive microfiche set containing works published between 1861 and 1920.
Sweeny Museum Acquired by National Park Service
The Sweeny Museum, an outstanding collection of original Civil War artifacts relating to the war west of the Mississippi River, has been acquired by the National Park Service. The museum is located just north of the battlefield Visitor Center, and is open five days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday for the months of November, December, January and February). The park entrance fee ($5 per adult to a maximum of $10 per vehicle) includes admission to the museum.
Cabin Restoration Project
The Phillips/Patterson Cabin, built during the 1850s in what is now the town of Battlefield, Missouri, was moved to Wilson's Creek NB in the 1970s.
The cabin was placed on the site of the home of William B. Edwards and the headquarters of Missouri State Guard commander Major General Sterling Price. It has been restored to its 1861 appearance with funds donated by the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation. A formal dedication took place in September 2005.
For more information on this project, or our friends group, please contact the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation at P.O. Box 8163, Springfield, MO, 65801, by phone at (417) 864-3041, or click here.
Boundary Expansion Bill Passed
Excerpts from the recently passed boundary expansion bill are given below:
Increase in Entrance Fees
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield has changed its entrance fee rates. The fees have changed from $3 per person or $5 per vehicle to $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. The Annual Park Pass has also changed from $15 to $20.
Entrance fees at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield have not changed since the mid-1990s. The changes reflect an increased value of the visitor experience with the inclusion of a new museum facility opened to visitors in August 2005.
Another change that will take effect will be persons 16 years of age or older will now be subject to entrance fees. This change is in compliance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, PL 108-447, signed into law by President George Bush on December 8, 2004. This law repeals previous legislation regarding the minimum age for which visitors are charged.
The majority of fee revenues collected at the site are to be used for improvements related to visitor use and enjoyment. Comments regarding the fee rate change can be directed to Chief Ranger John M. Sutton at (417) 732-2662, extension 225, or by mail to john_sutton@nps.gov.
Wilson's Creek NB Library Receives Missouri Soldier Microfilm
Thanks to a generous donation from the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, 972 reels of National Archives Compiled Service Record microfilm have been added to the collection of the Huston Library at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.
This donation completes the library’s collection of National Archives Compiled Service Record microfilm of Union and Confederate soldiers from Missouri. The Huston Library currently has about 1,100 reels of microfilm containing detailed information on the service history of individual soldiers from Missouri and surrounding states.
National Archives CSR microfilm from other states will be added to the library’s holdings as funding becomes available.
Researchers are encouraged to examine the microfilm in person, although staff members will answer requests for information by e-mail (Jeffrey_Patrick@nps.gov), regular mail (6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic, MO, 65738) or telephone (417) 732-2662, extension 226.
Other recent donations to the library include portions of "Civil War Unit Histories: Regimental Histories and Personal Narratives," an extensive microfiche set containing works published between 1861 and 1920.
Sweeny Museum Acquired by National Park Service
The Sweeny Museum, an outstanding collection of original Civil War artifacts relating to the war west of the Mississippi River, has been acquired by the National Park Service. The museum is located just north of the battlefield Visitor Center, and is open five days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday for the months of November, December, January and February). The park entrance fee ($5 per adult to a maximum of $10 per vehicle) includes admission to the museum.
Cabin Restoration Project
The Phillips/Patterson Cabin, built during the 1850s in what is now the town of Battlefield, Missouri, was moved to Wilson's Creek NB in the 1970s.
The cabin was placed on the site of the home of William B. Edwards and the headquarters of Missouri State Guard commander Major General Sterling Price. It has been restored to its 1861 appearance with funds donated by the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation. A formal dedication took place in September 2005.
For more information on this project, or our friends group, please contact the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation at P.O. Box 8163, Springfield, MO, 65801, by phone at (417) 864-3041, or click here.
Boundary Expansion Bill Passed
Excerpts from the recently passed boundary expansion bill are given below:
Public Law 108-394, 108th Congress
An Act to amend Public Law 86-434 establishing Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in the State of Missouri to expand the boundaries of the park, and for other purposes.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Boundary Adjustment Act of 2004."
SECTION 1. WILSON'S CREEK NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD: ESTABLISHMENT AND ACQUISITION OF LANDS.
(b) Expansion of Boundaries.--
(1) The boundaries of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield are revised to include lands and interests therein consisting of six parcels totaling 615 acres and identified as parcels `1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6' on the map entitled "Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Proposed Boundary," numbered 410/80,037 and dated January 27, 2004. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.
(2) The Secretary is authorized to acquire the lands referred to in paragraph (1) by donation, by purchase from willing sellers with donated or appropriated funds, or by exchange. The Secretary may acquire by the same methods personal property associated with, and appropriate for, interpretation of the park.
(c) Access to Private Property.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (1) require any private property owner to allow public access (including Federal, State, or local government access) to such private property; or (2) modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with regard to public access to or use of private property.
(d) Liability.--The revision of the boundaries of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield by subsection (b) shall not be considered to create any liability for, or to have any effect on any liability under any other law of, any owner of private property with respect to any person injured on that private property.
(e) Recognition of Authority to Control Land Use.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the authority of Federal, State, or local governments to regulate land use.
(f) Participation of Private Property Owners.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the owner of any private property located within the boundaries of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield to participate in, or be associated with, the National Battlefield.
(g) Effect of Expansion.--The boundaries of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, as revised by subsection (b), represent the area within which Federal funds appropriated for the purpose of this Act may be expended. The boundary revision shall not be construed to provide any nonexisting regulatory authority on land use within the National Battlefield or its viewshed by the Secretary or the National Park Service.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 3 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 430mm) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out section 1(b).
Approved October 30, 2004.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 4481 (S. 2432):
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 108-651 (Comm. on Resources).
SENATE REPORTS: No. 108-371 accompanying S. 2432 (Comm. on Energy and Natural Resources).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 150 (2004): Sept. 13, considered and passed House. Oct. 10, considered and passed Senate.
1st Arkansas Cavalry Guidon Restoration Project Completed
Our thanks to the members of Phelps Camp No. 66, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War who raised sufficient funds to preserve the guidon of Company "H", 1st Arkansas Cavalry (US). The silk guidon was probably carried in a number of engagements in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. The guidon has been conserved and is now on display in the exhibit room of the new library building.
1st National Flag Restoration Completed
Our thanks to the members of the James H. McBride Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans who raised funds to restore the last surviving Confederate battle flag known to have been used at the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Now in the museum collection of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, the cotton "First National" or "Stars and Bars" flag was captured by a Union cavalryman during the battle. The flag was preserved by the family of its captor and is in remarkably good condition. It was likely carried by Arkansas, Texas, or Missouri cavalry, although the exact identity of the unit that carried the flag may never be known.
Return to the Wilson's Creek Home Page, or to the Visitor Center.