WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House passed a lands package that included language authored by Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) to designate the historic Quindaro Townsite as a National Commemorative Site. Senator Roberts introduced this legislation last year alongside former Rep. Kevin Yoder’s (R-Kan.) companion bill in the House. The Senate passed this legislation earlier this month.

“I’m glad to see the Quindaro Townsite is one step closer to becoming a National Commemorative Site, as it’s played an important role in our nation’s history,” said Sen. Roberts. “My great grandfathers were outspoken abolitionists during this time period and played a prominent role in the fight to establish Kansas as a free state. I’m proud to have played a role in getting Quindaro the historical designation it deserves.”

Quindaro was founded by abolitionists in 1857 and became a Free State port of entry and stop on the Underground Railroad. The town provided a route for slaves to escape from Missouri and helped stop slavery from spreading west. Quindaro was abandoned and became overgrown, but was rediscovered during an archaeological dig in the 1980s.

The Quindaro Townsite is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designating the site as a National Commemorative Site will help foster more investment and preservation at the site.   

The Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum, currently houses the artifacts of the townsite. It is currently a part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. In 2005, Senator Roberts and then Senator Sam Brownback introduced legislation, signed into law, to establish the Heritage Area.

Designating Quindaro as a National Commemorative Site is supported by the following groups: The Quindaro Ruins/ Underground Railroad- Exercise 2019, Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, University of Missouri - Kansas City History Department and Center for Midwestern Studies and Johnson County Community College.

This bill now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

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