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| Highlights from the History of the Round Table |
| Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States President Harry S. Truman provided the inspiration for the founding of the Civil War Round Table of Kansas City. At his suggestion, 50 men met for the first time to study the War Between the States. Dr. Bert E. Maybee, Truman's personal dentist, chaired the February 25, 1958 meeting at the Hotel Bellerive. The Round Table gave magnificent support to the three-day Centennial Commemoration of the Battle of Westport, October 2-4, 1964. On October 25, members of the Round table also participated in the commemoration of the Battle of Mine Creek, Kansas. In October 1989, Round Table members also participated in the 125th Anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Westport. In 1975, members of the Round Table established the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund to further efforts for the preservation of Battle of Westport sites. After years of work, markers were established and money was raised to purchase land at the Byram's Ford site. In 1995, the land was deeded to the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department for permanent preservation. Since the 1970's, members have been instrumental in implementing the identification and acquisition of the Battle of Mine Creek site by the State of Kansas and have been part of the efforts to fund its development. As part of their continued efforts with the Kansas Historical Society, the battlefield is now open for visitors. In 1995, members provided accounts of their ancestors' experiences during the Civil War era to publish the Kansas City Round Table's own collection entitled "We Remember". In the years since its founding, the Kansas City Round Table membership has continued to grow. The organization is strong and viable, dedicated to the study and preservation of our Civil War heritage. |
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