A Concurrent Resolution requesting the placement of a mural in the Capitol honoring
the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary Infantry Regiment.
WHEREAS, The members of the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary In-
fantry Regiment were the first African-Americans to be recruited in the
Northern states for service in the Civil War, the first to see battle and the
first to die in action; and
WHEREAS, The honorable James H. Lane, U.S. Senator from Kan-
sas, based on his interpretation of a regulation to recruit regiments for
the Civil War, directed that a regiment of infantry be raised composed
of ``men of African descent.'' Within 60 days over 500 men had been
enlisted and were encamped and trained near Leavenworth; and
WHEREAS, On October 28, 1862, a detachment of the regiment was
attacked by an enemy force of about 500 men at Island Mound (near
Butler), Missouri, in an engagement in which the enemy force was re-
pulsed with considerable loss but with the regiment suffering losses of 10
members killed and 12 wounded. This was the first engagement of the
war in which African-American troops were involved; and
WHEREAS, After being one of four African-American units to be
mustered into the regular army on January 13, 1863, the entire regiment
was committed for the first time on July 2, 1863, with elements of four
white units and the Indian Brigade to engage the enemy at Cabin Creek,
Indian Nation. The enemy's attack on a large supply train was successfully
repulsed; and
WHEREAS, A few weeks later the regiment was engaged at Honey
Springs where the regiment held the center of the line. The regiment
had their worst day of the war at Poison Springs, Arkansas, losing 117
dead and 65 wounded with many of those wounded or taken prisoner
being executed on the battlefield thereby causing African-American sol-
diers in the west to adopt ``Remember Poison Springs'' as a battle cry;
and
WHEREAS, The regiment served honorably for the duration of the
conflict and was mustered out of service at Fort Leavenworth on October
30, 1865. The regimental battle flag was presented by Suzanne Knowles
of Kansas City to the Kansas State Historical Society and was displayed
at the Kansas Museum during February, 1998, Black History Month:
Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas, the Senate concurring therein: That the Kansas State Historical Society
and the Department of Administration be requested to develop plans to
place a mural in the Capitol honoring the 1st Kansas (Colored) Voluntary
Infantry Regiment and that these organizations consult with the Joint
Committee on Arts and Cultural Resources in this endeavor; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to de-
liver enrolled copies of this resolution to the Executive Director, Kansas
State Historical Society, and to the Secretary of Administration.
I hereby certify that the above Concurrent Resolution originated in the House,
and was adopted by that body