 By the early 20th century Butler's business listings included three banks, an opera house, four hotels, and a large number of general and specialty stores.In 2008 Bates county residents erected a statue and plaque honoring the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers and the Battle of Island Mound on the grounds of the Bates County courthouse in Butler.The State of Missouri purchased a 40-acre property including part of the former Toothman homestead and established the "Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site" in October 2012.