Yoder's Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act Advances

Press Release

Today, the Federal Lands Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Representative Kevin Yoder's (R-KS) legislation, H.R. 5613 the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act. Quindaro is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Third District of Kansas, and National Historic Landmark status will help elevate and preserve this townsite in a way that is consistent with its historical and cultural importance. Representative Yoder invited Mr. Marvin S. Robinson, II, a native of the Quindaro area and a leader in the effort to preserve the townsite, to testify before the committee. Representative Yoder issued the following statement after the hearing:

"The Third District is home to one of the most significant, yet under-appreciated, historic sites in the state: the ruins of the town of Quindaro. Quindaro holds a unique three-fold significance as a Bleeding Kansas site, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and the site of an enduring African American community founded by freed slaves. Very few places in the country can lay claim to such a combination. In spite of the years of neglect, it is not too late to elevate Quindaro to the status and attention it deserves. That is why I have introduced H.R. 5613, the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act.

Although Quindaro has lacked the official recognition and investment it deserves, it has remained intact thanks to the efforts of a small group of dedicated individuals from the community. One of those key individuals is Marvin Robinson, who has spent the last 31 years as a leader in the efforts to preserve Quindaro. His years of dedication and study of Quindaro made him the perfect person to come to Congress and tell the nation why this site is worthy of National Historic Landmark designation. I want to thank Marvin for all of his hard work to preserve Quindaro and for coming to Washington, DC to share his testimony with the committee today."

The town of Quindaro was founded in 1857 as a safe haven for anti-slavery activists and an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Representative Yoder's bill, H.R. 5613 the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act, would make Quindaro a National Historic Landmark, bringing new opportunities for investment and preservation of the site. The bill has five bipartisan cosponsors, including the lead Democratic cosponsor, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO).

Source