photo by: Courtesy of Douglas County

The Douglas County Historical Society was able to leverage ARPA funds to add new parking lot at Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park.

Douglas County and Baldwin City have partnered to preserve and manage Black Jack Battlefield, a 38-acre historic site central to the Bleeding Kansas era.

The property is at 163 East 2000th Road near Baldwin City, and it is the site of the June 2, 1856, Battle of Black Jack, which was the first armed clash between Free State and pro-slavery forces in the Bleeding Kansas era. The park includes the historic Robert Hall Pearson farmhouse, nature trails, Captain’s Creek, restored prairie, picnic areas and sugar maple grove. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

As the Journal-World reported, county commissioners approved agreements with Baldwin City in September to ensure the long-term preservation and management of the Black Jack property through public ownership. The site was previously owned and operated by the Black Jack Battlefield Trust, a nonprofit organization.

The county is contributing $250,000 from its open space funds to support the purchase of the property.

Meanwhile, Baldwin City will take on site maintenance, ensure ongoing public access and work with the county to appoint an advisory board to guide the site’s future use and preservation.

According to a press release from Douglas County, on Nov. 26, said the city and the county will work together to appoint an advisory board with equal representation from both entities. The board will be responsible for guiding park development, maintenance, capital projects, programming and public use, signage as well as marketing and strategic planning. Officials anticipate the board will be in place by spring 2026.

Deputy County Administrator Sean Pederson said in the release that the partnership is a reflection of both entities’ commitment to history and community.

“This agreement helps protect an important piece of our shared history while keeping this land open and accessible for the community. By working together, we’re making sure this special place is preserved, cared for and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come,” Pederson said in the release.

Black Jack Battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2012, and it is one of three National Historic Landmark sites in Douglas County and one of 26 in Kansas. The park is also next to the Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve, which is owned by Douglas County and maintained by the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County.