Burnt District monument dedicated

A crowd of 250 persons gathered at the Cass County Justice Center on Sunday, April 26 to dedicate the Burnt District Monument. The 22-foot chimney of native limestone includes interpretive signs which trace the history of the war on the western border of Missouri.
Speakers included Congressman Ike Skelton who recounted his family connection to the war in which his Confederate ancestors fought. Judge Deanell Tacha, Chair of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area which includes this region, spoke of the significance of the history to the fight to define freedom.
State Senator David Pearce of the 31st District presented a Resolution, and State Representative Luke Scavuzzo of the 124th District spoke of our need to preserve and share our heritage.
Speakers from the four counties included in the 1863 Order #11 which mandated the removal of all persons from the counties who could not prove loyalty to the Union told true stories of families caught in the crossfire.
Vernon County Presiding Commissioner Bonnie McCord spoke of the devastation there, and Diane Magness told the story of female Bushwhacker Rebecca Gabbert.
Bates County Presiding Commissioner Donna Gregory related how her county was completely depopulated and there were no functioning courts or legal transactions for several years. Peggy Buhr portrayed Christian Toothman whose farm was the site of the Battle of Island Mound.
Cass County Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory spoke....
PHOTO: Left to right: Jerry Saling, stonemason; reenactor Tic Tac, Mark Alley, Jim Beckner, Olivia Tribble, Linda Thompson, John Allin, Jay Roberts, John Foster and Sen. David Pearce. Courtesy photo