Preserving The Park

Founded by business and community leaders in 1950, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation supports the Civil War battlefield that determined the fate of Missouri and endures as an integral part of American history. Foundation leaders spearheaded efforts to make the initial land purchase, attain National Park status, build the visitor’s center and provide funding for the building of a 7,700 sq foot addition to the Visitor Center.

Although the Battlefield is part of the National Park Service, the Foundation works to increase community support for this revered landmark, protect historic artifacts, and enhance educational programs for students and all residents of southwest Missouri. The Foundation also facilitates expansion of the Wilson’s Creek library collection by working closely with donors and scholars. The cornerstone of the collection is the remarkable gift of a Foundation leader and supporter, Mr. John Hulston. The John K and Ruth L. Hulston Library contains over 5,000 volumes that the Foundation is working to preserve. The collection is housed in an addition to the Visitor Center that was dedicated in April of 2003.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, by virtue of its historical significance, is an important and honored part of Missouri and American history. To better understand the intrinsic historical and education value of Wilson’s Creek, it is important to examine its threefold contribution to the community.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is historically important as both the first major battle after Bull Run and as the first Civil War battle in which a Union general lost his life. Over 2,500 men of both armies were listed as killed, wounded, captured, or missing in action. The Foundation works to preserve the Battlefield as a reminder to all who see it that the Civil War was real, not just a collection of facts and statistics that exist only on printed paper.

In a more personal sense, Wilson’ Creek National Battlefield has great significance to those whose ancestors lived in this area or died on this very battlefield. Whether one’s ancestors fought in Missouri or on a battlefield hundreds of miles away, very few families remained untouched by the Civil War. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield embodies part of America’s common heritage and preserves it for future generations.

While formal education is essential, no textbook can fully bring facts to life and visually reinforce the dramatic events of the Civil War. For school children and life long learners Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is a valuable educational resource. The quality films, rare books and letters, and displays of artifacts supplement classroom study and seize visitors’ imaginations. Perhaps the most dramatic impact is experienced through living history displays, with volunteers in period clothing re-enacting the life and times of the 1860’s and the fateful Battle of Wilson’s Creek.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation strives to bring the facts to life, protect hallowed ground, and preserve America’s history for generations to come.