Douglas County approves $250,000 toward acquisition of Blackjack Battlefield to keep site public

Douglas County commissioners voted 5-0 on Sept. 24 to approve a financing agreement and a joint-ownership memorandum of understanding with the city of Baldwin City to keep the 40-acre Blackjack Battlefield site in public ownership.

County staff told commissioners the recommended agreements would provide a $250,000 county contribution to help Baldwin City acquire the property from the Blackjack Battlefield Trust, and then place the site under joint ownership with the city. “The outcome of that effort was that the property would be best served, if put into public hands,” County staff member Sean said during the presentation. Caitlin Ameren, Douglas County heritage conservation coordinator, said staff had relied on information provided by the trust while preparing recommendations.

Why it matters: Blackjack Battlefield is nationally significant for its ties to the events of Bleeding Kansas. County staff said Douglas County has already invested roughly $466,000 in preservation work at the site since 2011, and officials argued acquiring the land now would protect public access and avert possible private development if the trust could not meet financial obligations.

Key facts and agreements - County contribution: $250,000 toward purchase by Baldwin City. The county contribution is structured…