On Tuesday, February 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a comprehensive federal lands package, which included the approval for Mill Springs Battlefield to be designated as a National Monument and to become part of the National Park System.
Congressman Harold Rogers spoke on the House floor about his efforts
for nearly three decades to bring southern Kentucky’s historic
battlefield into the NPS.
He also successfully secured federal funds to preserve 900 acres of
the battleground and to construct a 10,000-square foot educational
visitor center and museum on-site.
“This is a modern-day victory for our treasured Civil War
battleground where history was written in our backyard. The battle at
Mill Springs was the Union Army’s first major victory in the West,
securing Kentucky as part of these United States, and it will finally
have the national recognition it deserves,” said Congressman Rogers,
who voted in support of S. 47. “Enactment of this bill is a testament
to the persistent efforts of the Mill Springs Battlefield Association
(MSBA) and President Bill Neikirk to preserve this hallowed ground
that spans Pulaski and Wayne counties. It has been an honor to work
alongside the MSBA and Leader McConnell to bring this longtime dream
to fruition.”
The MSBA will donate the 900 acres of land and its facilities at
Mill Springs to the NPS.
The national designation ensures that the Mill Springs Battlefield
is protected, preserved and promoted well into the future.
The U.S. Senate passed the legislation two weeks ago and now awaits President Trump’s signature.
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