Press Releases
Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) introduced Mill Springs Battlefield Association (MSBA) Founder, Bill Neikirk to speak to the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation in Washington, D.C. During the hearing, Rogers and Neikirk explained the national historic significance of the Battle of Mill Springs. Rogers introduced legislation requesting a Mill Springs Battlefield Feasibility Study (H.R. 298) to evaluate the potential adoption of this important site into the National Park Service.
"The U.S. Department of Interior classified the Battle of Mill Springs as one of the most important battles in the western theater of the Civil War, and labeled the site an endangered battlefield in Kentucky," said Rogers. "Thanks to Bill and the group he founded, the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, hundreds of acres of battlefield land have been diligently preserved."
Through a partnership of public and private funds, the MSBA has constructed a 10,000 square foot visitor's center and museum, established interpretive signage, and led driving and walking tours of the battle. Thousands of visitors and students now visit the site each year.
Mr. Neikirk expressed the desire of the MSBA to turn over its work to the National Park Service and the people of the United States, in hopes of ensuring the battlefield will be preserved for generations to follow.
This hearing was the first step in the committee process, where witness testimony is given and lawmakers have the opportunity to ask questions about the legislation before them. Rogers encouraged subcommittee members to pass the bill on to the full committee for consideration.
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"The U.S. Department of Interior classified the Battle of Mill Springs as one of the most important battles in the western theater of the Civil War, and labeled the site an endangered battlefield in Kentucky," said Rogers. "Thanks to Bill and the group he founded, the Mill Springs Battlefield Association, hundreds of acres of battlefield land have been diligently preserved."
Through a partnership of public and private funds, the MSBA has constructed a 10,000 square foot visitor's center and museum, established interpretive signage, and led driving and walking tours of the battle. Thousands of visitors and students now visit the site each year.
Mr. Neikirk expressed the desire of the MSBA to turn over its work to the National Park Service and the people of the United States, in hopes of ensuring the battlefield will be preserved for generations to follow.
This hearing was the first step in the committee process, where witness testimony is given and lawmakers have the opportunity to ask questions about the legislation before them. Rogers encouraged subcommittee members to pass the bill on to the full committee for consideration.
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