The Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new logo for the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. The logo, designed by longtime board member Steve Ross, depicts a scene that harkens back to what soldiers experienced on August 10, 1861. The oak tree and cannon are symbols of land that quickly went from farm and prairie to battlefield.
“The logo reflects the foundation’s commitment to preserving Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and telling human stories that still resonate today,” says William Piston, Board President. “We invite people to engage with its history and learn how the Civil War affects their lives.”
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills in the Confederacy, was the second major battle of the American Civil War and the first major battle west of the Mississippi River. Although it was a Confederate victory, some historians believe that General Nathaniel Lyon’s campaign saved Missouri for the Union.
The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, in collaboration with the National Park Service, works to preserve the stories, artifacts and natural beauty of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, encouraging the understanding of the Civil War to visitors for generations to come.
Established in 1950, the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation is one of the oldest private support groups for the National Park Service. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2025, we honor those who sought to preserve the battlefield as early as June 1865. After several legislative attempts failed, the newly formed foundation acquired 37 acres of Bloody Hill on October 8, 1951, for $1,600. Most of the funds were raised by schoolchildren in Springfield and Republic through the Penny Brigade. The deed for the original 37 acres was officially transferred to the National Park Service on August 10, 1961, marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
The community spirit that drove the early preservation efforts at Wilson’s Creek lives on in today’s donors. Our mission to support Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is more important than ever, especially as park visitation grows. In 2023, over 317,000 visitors explored the battlefield, participated in educational programs, and enjoyed the park’s natural resources.
The Foundation takes pride in its role in the 2019 renovation of the visitor center, contributing to the $4 million project. This effort is just one example of our initiatives over the past 75 years. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to acquire land, secure valuable artifacts, and restore historical structures. The foundation has also helped preserve over 300 acres of land surrounding the park, protecting it from development and ensuring Wilson’s Creek remains one of the most pristine parks in the National Park Service.
The foundation encourages everyone to visit the battlefield and experience the history of the 17,000 individuals who once fought here. We hope your visit inspires you to join us in preserving this vital piece of our nation’s history.
