The Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park held its first reenactment of the Battle of Black Jack on June 5, 2010. The reenactment was a success with hundreds of spectators. Plans were announced for the 2nd annual reenactment to take place on June 4, 2011. Additionally, a new footbridge and section of the nature trail were opened thanks to donations from the Westar Green Team.

1. Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park
“follow in the footsteps of old John Brown…….”
FALL 2010 CONFLICT ERUPTS AT BLACK JACK AGAIN!
Save the date for 2011 !!
The day was June 5, 2010, the time was 11:00
nd
a.m….that was when the Battle of Black Jack was The 2 Annual John Brown’s Battle at Black Jack
reenacted for the first time since the smoke cleared in …dawn of the Civil War will take place on June 4, 2011.
1856! What would John Brown, Captain Shore, and Gate opens at 9 a.m. There will be three reenactments,
August Bondi have made of such an event? What with a complete line-up of entertainment, history, and fun
would Henry Clay Pate have thought? Judging by the for the whole family. Tickets will be $8 for adults and $1
hundreds of people on the grounds that were there to for children 3-12 years. Under 3 years free.
witness and be a part of this historic event, many Also….
people thought it was just grand! June 3, 2011 Lamplight Tour
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Take a lamplight tour of a 19 century living history
Thanks to Shane Seley, Black Jack Battlefield board camp! Reservation required. Tickets are $15 each.
member, and his Emmy Award winning film Arrive by 8:00 p.m.
production company, Wide Awake Films, Black June 2, 2011 Dawn at Black Jack
Jack Battlefield’s first reenactment of the battle went Be on the battlefield the same date and time as the
off without a hitch. Although, without the involvement actual Battle of Black Jack. An awesome experience!
of Thom Weik, T.J. Bruegger, and some of the Admission is free, but donations appreciated. Arrive by
th
region’s best 19 century living historians, none of 4:30 a.m.
this would have been possible. With Black Jack We hope to see you there!
Battlefield’s very own Kerry Altenbernd as “Old” John
Brown, and our new friend, Greg Higginbotham as
Henry Clay Pate, the audience was first wowed by
their lively introduction to the battle. Then the
spectators watched as the battle began to unfold!
Afterward, in the Maple Grove, visitors could meander
through an actual encampment that was set up for the
weekend where the life of a civilian camped out on
military duty was depicted from the tents to the coffee
beans. Accuracy was specifically important to the
reenactment team coordinating the effort. “We’re
fortunate to have some of the region’s top authorities
on the unique material culture of this time period
interested and involved in this event. We couldn’t
have pulled it off without them.” Shane Seley said.
Also on site were many period demonstrators,
musicians, as well as vendors that had items for sale.
Food and drink was available as well as a special visit
from nationally renowned wet-plate collodion
photographer, Robert Szabo. He demonstrated this
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method of 19 century photography. We were
pleased to have him as part of our event.
Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park is located just 3 miles east of Baldwin City, Kansas
1/4 mile south of Hwy 56 on E 2000 Road
163 E 2000 Road in rural Douglas County, Kansas
info@blackjackbattlefield.org www.blackjackbattlefield.org
785.883.2106

2. WE ARE BUSY!
NEW FOOTBRIDGE AND TRAIL
SECTION NOW OPEN
AT BLACK JACK NATURE PARK
The popular nature trail at Black Jack has a
beautiful new footbridge thanks to the Westar
Green Team. The trail had previously stopped at
the far southern end of the property due to a large
ravine on the west fork of Captain's Creek. New footbridge for the Black Jack nature trail
The new bridge has now allowed the completion of
~Thank you Westar Green Team !
the full loop of the trail. A new trailhead is now open
directly behind the Robert Hall Pearson House. The
extended trail winds through a particularly scenic
part of the property.
Kate Dineen, Blacksmith
Many thanks to the Green Team for the sturdy
bridge. Thanks also to Stan, Carol and Larry for
their help in completing the new section of the trail.
Karl Gridley
GATE PROJECT UNDERWAY
Lawrence blacksmith Kate Dineen has gotten the
ball rolling on the gate project for the Black Jack
Battlefield & Nature Park. The gate will help
welcome visitors and commemorate the Battle of
Black Jack. The design of the gate incorporates
symbolism taken from the battle itself as well as the
tranquility and natural lay of the land. Van Go
Mobile Arts students along with other artist
blacksmiths from as far away as Canada and
England are working on this project. A fundraiser is
currently underway to help with the costs involved.
Hand forged leaf shaped key chains are being sold
for $20 to raise money.

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Black Jack Memorial Fund Proposed
Gifts available
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The Black Jack Battlefield Trust has Give a gift of Membership
established a memorial fund to which Benefactor - $ 1,000 here.
donors may contribute in memory/honor Patron - $ 500
Sustaining - $250
of a friend or loved one. Donations will be
Supporting - $100
utilized to help fulfill the mission of the Contributing - $50
Black Jack Battlefield Trust. Individual - $35
Student/Senior - $10
Checks should be sent to: Black Jack Give a gift from our gift shop
Battlefield Trust, P.O. Box 44, Baldwin
City, KS 66006 and designate "Memorial *Blacksmith gate project hand forged
Fund". Please include your name, leaf shaped key chain
address, and phone and the name of the $20
loved one being honored.
*John Brown Commemorative throw
$25
The name of the person being honored *Photograph note cards
will be printed in the newsletter, and be $15
listed on the website, as well as the name
of the donor (if desired). *John Brown Commemorative mug
$5
All contributions to this fund are tax
deductible. *Music CD – „Sword of the Spirit‟ by Magpie
$15
See the “Gifts of Black Jack” order form for item
photos/details & how to order.
~ Volunteers are needed ~
Tour guides :: greeters/docents :: help clean up on “work days”
volunteers@blackjackbattlefield.org
www.blackjackbattlefield.org

4. Fall 2010
Our most heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you who
has contributed in so many ways, so generously, to our efforts!
The Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park has come this far
because of concerned preservationists like you!
The Black Jack Battlefield Trust
Contact info:
P.O. Box 44
Baldwin City, KS 66006 Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park
785.883.2106 P.O. Box 44
Baldwin City, KS 66006
WWW.BLACKJACKBATTLEFIELD.ORG
info@blackjackbattlefield.org
“follow in the footsteps of Old John Brown….”