WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today introduced legislation to designate the historic Quindaro Townsite a National Historic Landmark.

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 an important part of the history of Bleeding Kansas and the history of our nation. To understand and appreciate Kansas’ role in the abolition of slavery, we need to work to preserve the townsite and the legacy of its inhabitants,” said Sen. Roberts. “I look forward to seeing additional archeological and preservation projects at the site once it becomes a National Historic Landmark. I applaud Congressman Yoder’s leadership on this important preservation of our state’s proud history and look forward to working with him to get the bill signed into law.”

Representative Kevin Yoder (R-Kan.) introduced similar legislation in the House last month.

“The Quindaro Townsite is a historical gem of Kansas, but one that has sadly been too often overlooked and underappreciated,” Yoder said. “I am proud to be joined by Senator Roberts in my effort to elevate Quindaro to National Historic Landmark status. There is so much Quindaro can teach us about the fight for freedom and the foundation of our state. Designation as a National Historic Landmark will help protect this historic site and promote further study and investment in Quindaro, benefitting the community and the state for generations to come.”

The Quindaro Townsite is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designating the site as a National Historic Landmark would help foster more investment and preservation at the site.  There are currently 26 National Historic Landmarks in the state of Kansas.

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.

“The importance of Quindaro, and this chapter in our nation’s history, are of particular importance to me,” Roberts said. “My great grandfathers were Mr. A. G. Patrick and Mr. John Wesley Roberts. They were Kansas pioneers, frontier newspapermen and outspoken abolitionists during the mid 1800's. They played prominent roles in the fight to establish Kansas as a free state.”

The bill is expected to be referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources where it will await further consideration.

-30-