H.R. 5613, Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act

Floor Situation

On Monday July 23, 2018, the House will consider H.R. 5613, the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act, under suspension of the rules. This bill was introduced on April 25, 2018 by Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS) and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which ordered the bill reported by unanimous consent on July 11, 2018.

Summary              

H.R. 5613 designates the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark.

Background

The Quindaro Townsite is on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The site preserves the ruins of a frontier town on the Missouri River which was founded in 1857 to be a free-State port of entry during the Kansas Territory’s fight over the question of slavery. The town’s residents included Euro-Americans, African Americans and members of the Wyandot Tribe. The Quindaro area was the location of an African American refugee settlement that began during the Civil War. It was also the site of the first black university in Kansas. In 2017, the National Park Service (NPS) recommended that Quindaro supporters expand its research of the site to identify possible national significance and submit a comprehensive National Historic landmark nomination package. A contractor has been hired to do so. Because it is very rare for Congress to designate a National Historic Landmark (these possess the highest historic integrity of any historic structures and normally go through a rigorous NPS review), the Natural Resources Committee amended the bill to recognized the significance of the site as a National Commemorative Site. The Townsite supporters can continue their quest for National Historic Landmark status through the normal NPS process.

According to the bill sponsor, “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.”[1]

Cost

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate is not currently available.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.