B08_Sol_-_Att_1_-_SOW.pdf

S C O P E O F W O R K

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY

WILSON’S CREEK NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

MISSOURI

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR – NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

PMIS PROJECT NUMBER # 329255

Introduction The National Park Service (NPS), through the Midwest Regional Office (MWRO), requires the performance of research and writing of an Administrative History for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri. The history will help complete basic historical documentation of the park’s history and resources as developed and managed by the National Park Service, including the recent addition of 25 acres of the two Battles of Newtonia (1862, 1864) to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield administration. The information contained in the Administrative History is essential for present and future interpretation and resource management.

This Administrative History is a comprehensive synthesis of primary and secondary source material that is pertinent specifically to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, which is near Republic in Southwest Missouri. The study shall conform to professional standards regarding methodology of historical research and writing. Stylistic, bibliographical, and report production standards shall conform to the current edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. The study will include an oral history project whereby twenty (20) current and former NPS employees and others important to the history of this park unit will be interviewed in person, digitally recorded, and transcriptions prepared.

The Administrative History, including enumerated appendices, graphics, and index shall be completed within twenty-four months from the date of contract award.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE RESOURCES1

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is approximately 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri, in Greene and Christian Counties. The park was established on April 22, 1960, to preserve and commemorate the site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, the second major battle of the Civil War and the first major battle west of the Mississippi River. The area where major military operations took place west of the Mississippi River is known as the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the Civil War.

On August 10, 1861, 5,400 Union troops under the command of General Nathaniel Lyon clashed in a brutal fight with 12,000 Confederate and Missouri State Guard soldiers under Generals Benjamin McCulloch, Nicholas Pearce, and Sterling Price. The casualties were about equal on both sides—1,317 Union and 1,222 Confederate--and included General Lyon who was the first Union general killed in battle. Although the Union lost the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, its defeat signaled that Union reinforcements were desperately needed to prevent Missouri’s total

1 From the description of resources through listing of interpretive themes, this material is directly quoted from Foundation Document, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri. Omaha, NE: Midwest Regional Office, National Park Service, 2017.

fall to the Confederacy. The decisive Union victory at Pea Ridge on March 7–8, 1862, ended any serious Confederate threat to Missouri for the next two years, and this victory by Union forces was, in part, the result of lessons learned at Wilson’s Creek. The war in the Trans- Mississippi Theater was characterized by brutal small-scale battles, complex logistical challenges due to the undeveloped condition of the region, and vicious guerilla warfare.

Missouri ranks third in the number of Civil War military actions within its border.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield encompasses 2,369 acres and preserves 2,011 acres of the battleground; 172 acres are protected by Ozark Greenways, Inc., in easement outside park boundaries. Most visitors drive along the 4.9-mile tour road and stop at the eight pullouts featuring the major historic points of the battle. Many visitors bicycle around the tour road or spend time walking or horseback riding on the trails in the park. Although many of the park’s 50 known archeological sites are associated with the battle, more than half date to pre- European contact. The park preserves cultural landscapes and historic Civil War-era structures including the Ray House, a 19th-century home that was used as a field hospital and where General Lyon’s body was taken after the battle.

The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield’s Civil War Museum is home to one of the finest publicly held museum collections and contains the nation’s largest archival and materials collections related to the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West. In August 2005, purchase of the Sweeney Museum collections added over 8,500 unique items specific to the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West to the park’s extant collection of more than 60,000 items. The outstanding collection includes the sword belt and sash of Arkansas General Patrick Cleburne and the flag of the Confederate Cherokee Braves. The museum collections include objects and documents from many of the Trans-Mississippi battles. The collections also contain objects from prisoner of war camps in which Trans-Mississippi soldiers were detained and perished, items documenting battlefield medicine and advances in treatment, objects and documents that provide a greater understanding of the role of women in the Civil War, and items documenting the naval aspect of warfare in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. One-of-a kind pieces related to the battle include items such as General Lyon’s presentation sword and scabbard, the Lyon bed, and the counterpane used to cover Lyon’s body. The main battlefield library collections contain more than 15,000 volumes and extensive primary documentation.

Interpretation and education at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield are based on what is symbolically described as a “three-legged stool”—the cultural landscape that is one of the finest preserved battlefields in the National Park System, the finest Trans-Mississippi library collection in the United States, and the finest collection of Trans-Mississippi artifacts in the United States. Researchers contact the park weekly requesting information as they research their topics on the Trans-Mississippi Theater. The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation has assisted with construction of a new library wing, the addition of acres purchased or protected through conservation easements, and the purchase of the Sweeney Collection. Interpretation and visitor services are centered at the visitor center, which offers a 30-minute film overview of the battle, permanent exhibits of the battle and the war in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, a gift shop, rotating interpretive exhibits, and a multipurpose room that is frequently used for special programs and interpretive exhibits. The Ray House, open for tours when staff is available, offers an opportunity to interpret the role of the house as a field hospital for the battle wounded, slavery, and the experience of civilians caught up in the conflict. Interpretive wayside exhibits are placed at the tour road pullouts and along the Bloody Hill interpretive trail. A Junior Ranger program is offered.

Educational programs, offered primarily in the spring, include programs on the life of the average soldier, Civil War medicine, tours of the Ray House, historic weapons firing programs, and special events. Due to the park’s location near a significant urban area, it has the potential to provide educational programs to schools through on-site visits and outreach services.

Although serving as a memorial to the battle, the park also is a place where nature can be enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, equestrians, and runners who use the tour road and 10.6 miles of trails, including the historic Wire Road. With Springfield’s population continuing to increase, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield may increasingly serve as a natural and recreational oasis.

The park also is a sanctuary for wildlife and plant life disturbed by human encroachment including two federally threatened species and an endangered species.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is a member of the Climate Friendly Parks program, a network of parks nationwide that are putting climate friendly behavior at the forefront of park operations and resource management. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is committed to implementing a sound environmental management program and demonstrating environmental leadership in the preservation and conservation of the park’s cultural and natural features. This commitment includes energy, water, solid waste, chemical use, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions (collectively called sustainability).

Park Purpose: The purpose statement identifies the specific reason(s) for establishment of a particular park. The purpose statement for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield was drafted through a careful analysis of its enabling legislation and the legislative history that influenced its development. The park was established when the enabling legislation adopted by Congress was signed into law on April 22, 1960. The purpose statement lays the foundation for understanding what is most important about the park:

The purpose of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is to commemorate the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, preserve the associated battlefield, and interpret the battle within the context of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West.

Park Significance: Significance statements express why a park’s resources and values are important enough to merit designation as a unit of the National Park System. These statements are linked to the purpose of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and are supported by data, research, and consensus. Statements of significance describe the distinctive nature of the park and why an area is important within a global, national, regional, and systemwide context. They focus on the most important resources and values that will assist in park planning and management. The following significance statements have been identified for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

1. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the second major battle of the Civil War and the first major battle west of the Mississippi River.

2. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield was the site of the death of General Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general killed in the Civil War. Lyon’s death focused national attention on the potential loss of Missouri to the Confederacy.

3. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield’s comprehensive cultural landscape and rural character evoke the setting at the time of the battle that allows for interpretation and understanding of the events.

4. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield’s extensive research library, archives, and museum collections represent a nationally prominent and in-depth record of the battle and the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi West.

Fundamental Resources and Values: Fundamental resources and values (FRVs) are those features, systems, processes, experiences, stories, scenes, sounds, smells, or other attributes determined to warrant primary consideration during planning and management processes because they are essential to achieving the purpose of the park and maintaining its significance.

Fundamental resources and values are closely related to a park’s legislative purpose and are more specific than significance statements. Fundamental resources and values help focus planning and management efforts on what is truly significant about the park. One of the most important responsibilities of NPS managers is to ensure the conservation and public enjoyment of those qualities that are essential (fundamental) to achieving the purpose of the park and maintaining its significance. If fundamental resources and values are allowed to deteriorate, the park purpose and/or significance could be jeopardized.

The following fundamental resources and values have been identified for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield:

ꞏ Battlefield Landscape and Historical Views. The cultural landscape and features present at the time of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek or evocative of the landscape that those present at the battle would have experienced. Key features include Bloody Hill, oaks (witness trees), Wilson’s Creek, springs, Edgar Cemetery, and a sinkhole that was used as a burial site. Views within the battlefield landscape of significant Union and Confederate positions provide an understanding of how the battle was fought.

ꞏ Ray House and Ray Spring House. The Ray House and the Ray Spring House, both of which were occupied by the Ray family at the time of the battle. Following the battle, the Ray House was used as a hospital. The Ray House surroundings include Wire Road.

ꞏ Collections. The park’s museum collections related to the Civil War include items associated with the battle such as the Albright flag, coverlet, and Lyon bed and items associated with the Trans-Mississippi Theater such as General Pat Cleburne’s sash, General William Rosecrans’s presentation pistol, and the flag of the Confederate Cherokee Braves.

ꞏ Library. The park’s extensive library of over 15,000 items includes primary documents and secondary sources related to the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the Civil War. The library is a unique resource for researchers.

ꞏ Memorial Qualities. The value of maintaining a quality of solemnity by preserving surroundings and the soundscapes at the battlefield, providing a place to learn about and reflect on the battle. In so doing, the park provides a place to relate to history and reflect on the growth of our nation.

ꞏ Rural Setting. This refers to the current viewshed and setting of the park within the region and encompasses soundscape. From the vantage point of park visitors, the rural setting of the park is much the same as at the time of the battle. The minimal visual and audio intrusions help visitors understand the battlefield.

Other Important Resources and Values: Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield contains other resources and values that are not fundamental to the purpose of the park and may be unrelated to its significance, but are important to consider in planning processes. These are referred to as “other important resources and values” (OIRV). These resources and values have been selected because they are important in the operation and management of the park and warrant special consideration in park planning. The following other important resources and values have been identified for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield:

ꞏ Appropriate Recreation. The park provides opportunities for passive recreation. Wildlife viewing, horseback riding, jogging, and biking are popular recreational activities at the park.

ꞏ Archeological Resources. Humans have occupied the area of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield for at least 5,000 years. With 50 known archeological sites in the park, human use of the land presents itself as a rich and varied legacy.

ꞏ Butterfield Stagecoach Route. The route of the Butterfield stagecoach through the park is the same as the Wire Road and is currently under study as a potential national historic trail.

ꞏ Cannons and Fences. The cannons and fences in the park are not authentic to the battle itself, but their placement adds power to interpretation of the battlefield and views.

ꞏ Cave Resources. Caves in the park provide habitat for the gray bat and other species of concern.

ꞏ Structures and Landscape Features from Other Historic Periods. Buildings and landscape features not related to the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and from periods other than the American Civil War. Possible historic structures in the park include the HS-6 barns and Manley Cemetery.

ꞏ Threatened and Endangered Species. Two federally listed species (the Missouri bladderpod and gray bat) and four state listed species (stenosiphon, buffalo grass, blue grama, and thelesperma) are present in the park. The endangered gray bat is present in one of the park’s caves. All of these species are provided protection and conservation by ongoing resource management and rehabilitation programs.

ꞏ Research Opportunities. Expertise is available at the park that would otherwise not be available to the public. The park allows the public access to research using its library materials and collections.

Interpretive Themes: Interpretive themes are often described as the key stories or concepts that visitors should understand after visiting a park—they define the most important ideas or concepts communicated to visitors about a park unit. Themes are derived from, and should reflect, park purpose, significance, resources, and values. The set of interpretive themes is complete when it provides the structure necessary for park staff to develop opportunities for visitors to explore and relate to all park significance statements and fundamental and other resources and values. Interpretive themes are an organizational tool that reveal and clarify meaning, concepts, contexts, and values represented by park resources. Sound themes are accurate and reflect current scholarship and science. They encourage exploration of the context in which events or natural processes occurred and the effects of those events and processes.

Interpretive themes go beyond a mere description of the event or process to foster multiple opportunities to experience and consider the park and its resources. These themes help explain why a park story is relevant to people who may otherwise be unaware of connections they have to an event, time, or place associated with the park.

The following interpretive themes have been identified for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield:

ꞏ Missouri’s Position as a Border State. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek resulted partially from Missouri’s position as a western border (slave) state where social, economic, ethnic, and political differences fueled animosities between groups.

ꞏ Political/Military Leaders and Missouri’s Strategic Importance. Missouri’s key strategic importance and the diverse personalities, critical decisions, and complex motivations of political and military leaders greatly influenced the campaign and battle.

ꞏ Battle Outcome the Result of Many Interrelated Factors. The outcome of the battle of Wilson’s Creek, a bloody and difficult fight, was the result of many interrelated factors— leadership and tactics; lack of communication, terrain, weapons, uniforms, and equipment; and men experiencing combat for the first time that culminated in surprise and confusion.

ꞏ Union Defeat and the Death of Lyon. The Union’s defeat at Wilson’s Creek and the death of General Lyon gave hope and confidence to the Confederacy and focused national attention on the potential of Missouri’s secession, forcing the North to reassess its commitment to the war in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.

ꞏ Lives of the Residents. The lives of residents who experienced the campaign and Battle of Wilson’s Creek reveal the dramatic impacts of war and tragedy of loss on civilian populations.

ꞏ The Trans-Mississippi Theater. The war in the Trans-Mississippi was characterized by brutal small-scale battles, complex logistical challenges due to the undeveloped condition of the region, and vicious guerrilla warfare. Missouri ranks third in the number of military actions within its borders. Many regional animosities that developed during the Civil War are still present today.

ꞏ Preservation and Commemoration. The preservation and commemoration of the battlefield and its associated resources foster an understanding of the era of the battle, encourage respect for the legacy of personal choice, and reflect a desire to remember and honor the dedication to duty, patriotism, and sacrifices of soldiers and civilians.

This unit of the National Park System has not previously had an Administrative History prepared for it.

Congress added another area battlefield to National Park Service management to be administratively attached to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield: Battle of Newtonia.

The First Battle of Newtonia occurred on September 30, 1862, between a Confederate force commanded by Col. Douglas H. Cooper and a Union column led by Brigadier General Frederick Salomon near Newtonia, Missouri. Confederate forces were mainly cavalry commanded by Col. Joseph O. Shelby and a brigade of American Indians. A Union column led by Brigadier General James G. Blunt advanced to confront Cooper’s force. Blunt’s advance troops, led by Salomon, entered the area of Newtonia on September 29, and attacked Cooper’s encampment the following day. A Union forward guard commanded by Col. Edward Lynde was repelled from Newtonia by Cooper’s forces. Both side summoned additional troops and the battle waxed and waned through the afternoon, neither side gaining the advantage. At dusk, Cooper’s Confederates launched a full attack on Union lines causing Salomon to withdraw his forces while under continued artillery fire but afforded some cover by militia commanded by Col. Geoge Hall. The chaos panicked some of Salomon’s men and the retreat soon became a rout. Union casualty estimates ranged from 245 to more than 400, while Confederates suffered 78 casualties. Blunt’s division began advancing towards Newtonia during early October which caused Cooper to abandon positions in Missouri. A portion of this battlefield was listed in the National Register in 2004 as First Battle of Newtonia Historic District.

The Second Battle of Newtonia came two years later on October 28, 1864. Union cavalry commanded by Major General James G. Blunt and Brigadier General Joseph O. Shelby’s rear guard of the Confederate Army of Missouri met in the vicinity of Newtonia, Missouri, as a result of Confederate Major General Sterling Price’s raid into Missouri in September 1864 hoping to inspire a popular revolt against Union control. Following defeat at the Battle of Pilot Knob and unwilling to test the Union stronghold at Jefferson City, Price altered his route and moved towards Kansas City where he again suffered defeat at the Battle of Westport against Major General Samuel R. Curtis. Following the three defeats, Price’s army rested on October 25 near Newtonia, but that afternoon Blunt’s Union forces arrived and clashed with Price’s rear guard. Price ordered his army to withdraw, relying on Shelby to hold off and outflank Blunt’s advancing line. Before sundown, Blunt gained the advantage when reinforcements from Brigadier General John R. Sanborn’ brigade arrived on Blunt’s left, and Union forces counterattacked. Shelby ordered the Confederate retreat, but Union forces did not pursue until October 30, thus ending “Price’s Raid” and chased the Confederates to the Arkansas River where Price’s army continued their retreat into Texas. Two-thirds of Price’s Army were lost during the Missouri campaign and although both sides claimed victory, historians determined a Union victory at Newtonia and they disagree about casualty estimates.

Second Battle of Newtonia Site was listed in the National Register of December 23, 2004.

There are four contributing properties within the historic district: the battfield itself, position of McLain’s Battery on the ridge, cornfield at the site of the Ritchey Farm, and the site of a historic road leading to Granby. The district shares a boundary in two places with First Battle of Newtonia Historic District.

The Ritchey House and 25 acres of the two battlefields, including Old Newtonia Cemetery, were added to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield through the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328, December 29, 2022). The action was opposed by the Department of the Interior and National Park Service.

The project will include reviewing and summarizing all NPS inventory, research, planning and management documents prepared for the park. Past oral history interviews and those conducted for this project with current and former park employees and partners, and examining more recent pertinent reports and records at the park and at the Federal Records Center/National Archives branch in the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area.

Research Project – Develop and Complete the Administrative History for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

An NPS Administrative History is a history of a park unit as an institutional entity. Its purpose is to present the history of a park since the time it was first proposed through Congressional authorization and subsequent NPS management. It provides NPS managers a historic context for making decisions on issues relevant to park management. This research project will include a legislative history detailing federal laws relevant to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. It will also focus on all studies, plans, restoration/preservation activities, and management decisions regarding the operation, interpretation, and preservation of the park.

This document will describe legislative efforts to preserve and protect historic properties, objects, and landscapes at Wilson’s Creek, park authorization, the park’s NPS development and operational history, and how it has been managed by NPS to the present day.

The completed study will include the following elements:

A. Introduction providing an overview of prehistory and history, including geology, Native American habitation, area tribal history, European-American exploration and settlement, agricultural pursuits utilizing an enslaved workforce, community experiences before, during, and after the battle, loss of the enslaved workforce, early battle commemorative efforts, and battlefield preservation efforts prior to and during the Civil War Centennial.

B. Legislative history leading to the authorization of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in 1960, and all subsequent legislation pertaining to the park, including all boundary adjustments.

Nine months after contract award, the contractor will supply draft chapters for A.

and B. to NPS for review and approval.

C. The primary emphasis of the study will provide a description and analysis of the development and administration of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield as a unit of the National Park System. The origin and rationale for key management decisions shall be thoroughly discussed and reference made to planning documents, studies, and other historical, archeological, and scientific research reports that resulted in major management decisions. Other topics, in addition to those enumerated above, to examine (in no particular order) include:

Contents of all NPS reports and plans are to be summarized and management decisions explained. Principal park planning and management documents include (not a comprehensive list):

Master Plan/MISSION 66 for Wilson’s Creek (1960) Statement for Management and Planning (1971, 1987, 1992) Hand-written draft administrative history by Park Ranger/Historian Rick Hatcher Cave Management Plan Legislative History of Wilson’s Creek (draft 1999) Legislative Support Data Package—boundary expansion (2003) Hydrologic Study of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield by Thomas Aley (1988) Fire Management Plan (2004) Interpretive Prospectus (1975) Master Plan (1976-77) Tour Road Study (1980) Parkwide Wayside Exhibit Plan (1985) Horse Use Plan (1985) Ray House Historic Structure Report, Part 1 & 2 (1968) Land Protection Plan (1984, 1990, 1992) Resources Management Plan (1985) Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (2003) Foundation Document (2017) Cultural Landscape Report, Vols. 1-2 (2004) Cultural Landscape Implementation Environmental Assessment (2018) Accessibility and Self Evaluation and Transition Plan (2018) Tree Survey of Historical Viewshed Area (2020) Archeological studies of Wilson’s Creek from 1967 to present Battlefield Archeology of Wilson’s Creek NB (2008) Long-Range Interpretive Plan (2009) Archeological Overview and Assessment (2000) A Socioeconomic Atlas for Wilson’s Creek NB and its Region (2001) Historical Base and Ground Cover Map (1979) National Register of Historic Places Nomination, Wilson’s Creek Battlefield (1976 and two updates in 2023: Additional Documentation and Boundary Increase) “The Second Battle of Wilson’s Creek: The Fight for the National Battlefield in the 86th

Congress” by David Balducchi Alternative Transportation System Study (2001) Operations Evaluation Report, FY 2006 Trail Plan (1988) Aquatic Invertebrate Monitoring reports, 2010, 2013 Bird Monitoring reports, 2009, 2013 Chinquapin Oaks on Bloody Hill, 2011 Community & Conflict: The Impact of the Civil War in the Ozarks, Springfield-Greene

County Library District website Vegetation Classification and Mapping of Wilson’s Creek NB, 2013 Vegetation Community Monitoring reports, 2012, 2022 White-tailed Deer Monitoring reports, 2006, 2007, 2008 Invasive Exotic Plant Monitoring, 2007 https://youtu.be/A_NRCPkddAE General Management Plan Amendment (2007) Natural Resource Condition Assessment, 2011 The Army of the Frontier’s First Campaign: The Confederate Win at Newtonia (1966) A Preservation Plan for the Civil War Battlefields of Newtonia, Missouri (2000) Newtonia Battlefields Special Resource Study, Missouri (2013) National Register Nomination, First Battle of Newtonia Historic District (2004) National Register Nomination, Second Battle of Newtonia (2004)

The study will elaborate on Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield’s association, cooperation, and interaction with the other NPS units in Missouri—Harry S Truman National Historic Site, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, George Washington Carver National Monument, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial/Gateway Arch National Park, Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, and Ozark National Scenic Riverways--and the bordering states of Kansas and Arkansas. The study will also detail similar association, cooperation, and interaction with the NPS Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, Nebraska; Midwest Archeological Center in Lincoln, Nebraska; Denver Service Center, Harpers Ferry Center, and Washington Office.

Study will document how and why the administrative operations changed over time. Attention will be paid to the annual budget and staff growth. Similar treatment must be afforded to other park divisions.

--Commemoration efforts beginning at the end of the Civil War --Land preservation by the Wilson’s Creek Steering Committee --Demo of modern buildings and closure of county roads --Study of battle, Ray House, land boundaries by Ed Bearss --Early museum efforts (Dick O’Connor) --Sweeney Collection --Formation of the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Foundation –past and ongoing projects/efforts, i.e. Penny Brigade --State of Missouri land acquisition and donation to NPS

--NPS land preservation efforts (in-holdings, failed historic preservation zoning, conservation easements, boundary expansion, land acquisition) working with Foundation and American Battlefield Trust --Cultural landscape rehabilitation efforts (MDC, NPS, NRPP, prescribed fire, I & M, agriculture, and hay lease) --Exhibits—several renovations --Visitor Center development and renovations; Bloody Hill shelter --Facility buildings and infrastructure for Visitor Center --Ray House, Spring House, and Edwards Cabin rehabilitation and restoration --Hulston Library development and construction --Museum management (acquisitions and integration) --Tour road development (closing county roads) and development of trails --Water quality or the lack thereof; Southwest Treatment Plant --Recreational use—equestrian, pedestrian, bicycle --Evolution of the Fee program --Historic Structures --Archeological investigation (Bray to the present; including MWAC and MSU) --Fire management --Cemeteries—Edgar and Manley --Evolution of Interpretation --Evolution of Law Enforcement --Highway development (ZZ, roundabout, trail) --Development (Highschool) --Lucile Morris Upton collection—local newspaper reporter --Inventory and Monitoring Program --Partnership with Eastern National/America’s National Parks --Wayside and artillery placement within the park --Youth Conservation Corps

American Battlefield Protection Program/Regional Coordinator duty-stationed in park

NPS collaboration at resolving right-of-way ownership issues (roads and utility corridors) with cities of Republic and Battlefield, Missouri.

Policy development and changes over time.

Succession of park managers/superintendents and their accomplishments.

Interpretation and education programs and how they evolved over time. Museum exhibits and collections. Long-Range Interpretive Plan. Wayside exhibits. Web site introduction and development. Interpretive films. Park store. Cooperating association.

Park visitor protection/law enforcement program

Summary of natural resource program and activities

Resource Management (cultural and natural resources)

All archeological investigations

Americans with Disabilities Act compliance

John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library

Youth Partnerships Program/Teen Rangers.

Boundary markers

Technological updates with computer technology; use of radio communications; land line telephone service and cellular service.

Cultural resources management. List of Classified Structures (LCS) and Cultural Landscape Inventory (CLI) initiatives and enrolled properties. Improvement of collection storage facilities; eliminating backlog of uncatalogued objects, and improvement of curatorial procedures.

Volunteer in Parks program – volunteers assist in every aspect of park operations. Also Cultural Demonstrators, and Artists-In-Parks opportunities.

Collection Management Plan

Annual celebrations and events

Interpretive publications

Fire suppression plan and system; system upgrade; development of park fire history

Utilizing all the above information and topics, the Administrative History must place Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in context with the evolution of management policies, procedures, and practices of NPS over time. Contractor will utilize the files, library, and archives of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and Record Group 79: Records of the National Park Service, Midwest Regional Office transferred records at the National Archives and Records Administration, Federal Records Center, in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

A. Oral history interviews with key decision-making personnel. Because NPS documentation is not complete, oral history interviews will be especially useful in the Administrative History.

Twenty (20) formal oral history interviews will be conducted in person according to professional standards with current and/or retired NPS employees, community members, and partners pertinent to the park’s history as follows (grouped geographically, names and contact information to be provided following contract award):

Springfield, and surrounding area:

J.S.: former chief ranger, Republic, MO T.H. former park superintendent, Blue Eye, MO G.S.: former park chief resources and facilities. Nixa, MO K.E: current/former seasonal; Walnut Grove, MO P.A.: former park administrative employee; Republic, MO D.K.: former long term park maintenance employee, Battlefield, MO J.R.: current long time maintenance employee, Republic, MO M.L.: former park administrative employee, Billings, MO M.D.: current I & M park employee, Republic, MO V.H.: former park administrative employee, Fair Grove, MO K.S.: former private museum operator R.N: adjacent landowner and former VIP, Republic, MO W.P.: former VIP and historian and author, Springfield, MO A.M.: former executive director of Foundation, Aurora, MO R.B: former financial director of Foundation, Springfield, MO

Missouri:

R.R.: former park employee and acting superintendent, Ellsinore, MO

Illinois:

R.L..: former park superintendent, Springfield, IL

Colorado:

P.R..: former park superintendent, Fort Collins, CO

South Carolina:

R.H.: former park ranger and historian, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Nevada:

A.P.: former park administrative employee, Las Vegas NV

A list of alternate interviewees will be provided in case any of the above candidates are unwilling or unable for whatever reason to participate. The alternates may be interviewed via telephone and not in-person.

Oral history interviews will be conducted in person, digitally recorded, transcripts produced, a digital photograph of each interviewee taken, and assignment of interview rights forms signed.

All interviewees will be given an opportunity to review and edit his/her interview transcript over a one-month period.

Within one year of contract award, contractor will provide transcriptions of all oral history interviews for NPS inspection and approval.

E. Bibliography of source materials, including all previous research, surveys, and reports dealing with Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.

F. Appendices: Information including, but not limited to, all pertinent legislation, maps and/or drawings, listing of annual budgets, and a comprehensive listing of past and present NPS personnel, will be included in the Administrative History's appendix. The study shall include appropriate maps and other figures within the narrative, including historic and contemporary photographs. The photographs shall have captions and identify their source. Photographs will include images of past/present superintendents and other key managers.

G. Contractor shall also prepare two short articles (1 to 2 pages) and illustrations on any topic related to this Administrative History to be uploaded to the park’s website or other internet site.

H. A draft of the completed Administrative History with all above specified elements will be prepared and provided to NPS for review and comment according to a planning schedule and matrix outlined between NPS and contractor at the start of the project. Contractor will then incorporate all comments and resubmit a final draft. Following approval of the Administrative History by NPS, an index (generated by the latest version of Microsoft Word) will be prepared which incorporates all significant names, places, objects, activities, and programs referenced in the document. Used in conjunction with the Table of Contents, the Index will assist readers find particular topics of interest with ease. The final draft will then be reviewed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to ensure all NPS comments have been incorporated, and then submitted for approval signatures.