Missouri Senate Bill SCR34

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 2/24/22
• Refer: 4/12/22
• Report Pass: 4/21/22
• Refer: 4/21/22
• Report Pass: 4/25/22

Caption

Urges the U.S. Congress to include the Newtonia Battlefields in the National Park Service

Impact

The resolution reflects a community-led initiative to protect and promote the historical significance of the Newtonia Battlefields. By including these sites within the National Park Service, proponents argue that it would not only ensure a higher level of preservation but also enhance educational opportunities for visitors regarding Missouri's role in the Civil War. This inclusion could potentially lead to increased tourism, funding, and resource allocation for historical education and conservation efforts in the area.

Summary

SCR34 urges the U.S. Congress to include the Newtonia Battlefields in the National Park Service registry. Located in Newton County, Missouri, the site is historically significant for being the location of two major Civil War battles that involved organized American Indian soldiers. The resolution emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the battlefield sites, which are recognized for contributing vital narratives to the understanding of the Civil War and its implications for Missouri's history. This resolution is a call to action aimed at maintaining the battlefields as valuable historical landmarks.

Contention

While SCR34 primarily serves to advocate for the preservation of the Newtonia Battlefields, it may indirectly raise questions regarding resource allocation and federal versus state control over historical sites. As the battlefields are already on the National Register of Historic Places, the push for additional national designation could spur debate over the management and funding of local historical preservation versus broader national interests. The community's strong push for inclusion denotes a desire for local voices to have meaningful influence over the preservation of their historical heritage.