Kansas City-area Lawmakers Introduce Bill Designating Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-2), Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3), and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark. The site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the U.S. Civil War.
National Historic Landmarks are designated through the National Park Service System Advisory Board or an official act of Congress. Last May, the National Historic Landmarks Committee unanimously recommended Quindaro Townsite for designation as a National Historic Landmark, however the administrative process has since stalled. This bill would bypass the administrative process and designate the site by congressional action.
“Quindaro holds an important place in the history of our region and nation,” said Congressman Schmidt, whose district includes the site. “Designating the site as a National Historic Landmark would ensure its legacy is properly preserved and recognized for generations to come. I’m honored to lead this bill and join Representatives Davids and Cleaver in supporting Quindaro.”
“Quindaro was a place of courage, hope, and resilience — a sanctuary for those risking everything for freedom. Designating this site as a National Historic Landmark has been long overdue and would ensure future generations can learn from the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us. I’m proud to join Representatives Schmidt and Cleaver in this bipartisan effort to protect our Kansas City history and honor Quindaro’s legacy,” said Congresswoman Davids.
“The Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of the regional history in eastern Kansas and western Missouri – and its legacy must be preserved for the generations still to come,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By designating Quindaro as a National Historic Landmark, we can ensure the story of those who resided on these grounds lives on through the locals and tourists who visit every day, spreading the inspiring story of Americans who fought to ensure the United States lives up to its highest ideals. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Schmidt and Davids, and I look forward to working with them to ensure it is passed into law.”
Bill text is available here.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1857, Quindaro emerged as a beacon for Free-State advocates during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. Strategically located along the Missouri River, it served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad. The town’s establishment was a collaborative effort among the Wyandot Nation, New England abolitionists, and African American settlers, exemplifying a unique and harmonious multicultural alliance during a period marked by division and conflict.
Beyond its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, Quindaro became a nucleus for post-Civil War African American advancement. The establishment of the Quindaro Freedman’s School, later known as Western University, marked a significant milestone as the first Black school west of the Mississippi River. Institutions like Douglass Hospital further underscored the town’s commitment to education and healthcare within the African American community.
Archaeological excavations have unveiled a wealth of artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of Quindaro’s diverse inhabitants. The site’s preserved foundations and structures provide a tangible connection to this rich history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, Quindaro’s significance has been further acknowledged through its designation as a National Commemorative Site in 2019.
