How to Visit Civil War Sites in Kansas

Though Kansas isn't usually thought of as a state embroiled in the Civil War, it was known as "Bleeding Kansas" in the mid-19th century as a battle for its free-state status raged. During the Civil War, Kansas was the site of a number of battles and massacres. Visit Eastern Kansas to gain a new perspective on the Civil War.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start in Lecompton, the capital of Kansas Territory. Here, the Lecompton Constitution was drafted in 1857, which would have admitted Kansas to the Union as a slave state. Its rejection helped fuel the political debate leading up to the Civil War. While in Lecompton, visit Constitution Hall State Historic Site to learn about its role in the Civil War.
2. Spend time in Lawrence, the informal "free state capital" of Kansas and a stop on the Underground Railroad. Here, William Quantrill staged one of the largest massacres of civilians of the Civil War, raiding the town with his soldiers in the early morning of August 21, 1863. Much of Lawrence was in fiery ruins by the end of the day, with over 150 unarmed men and boys dead.
3. Go to the site of the Marais des Cygne Massacre. It was here in 1858 that a band of proslavery men shot 11 free-state men that they had captured, killing five of them in cold blood. This massacre shocked the nation, drawing attention to the plight of Kansas' battle for free-state status. At the site of the massacre, you can find information signs and a house museum.
4. Travel to Fort Scott, which was an active fort throughout the Bleeding Kansas and Civil War years. It contained a supply depot, hospital and military prison, and offered sanctuary to people fleeing war torn areas. Today, it is a National Historic Site featuring 20 historic buildings, which are open for self-guided tours year round.
5. Visit the Mine Creek Battlefield, where a Union cavalry charge of less than 2500 men drove back the 7000-man strong Confederate divisions. The defeat led Confederate General Sterling Price to give up plans to attack Fort Scott. Today, you'll find a visitor center and hands-on exhibits at the site that bring history to life.
6. Explore Baxter Springs, whose Second Kansas Colored Infantry helped to hold Fort Blair. William Quantrill led an attack against the fort and was fought off. However, Quantrill came upon a Union detachment nearby, killing most of the men. The Battle of Baxter Springs marks one of the first times that African-American troops fought side by side with white soldiers.
7. Discover Nicodemus. Though not a Civil War site, this town is still an important piece of Kansas' Civil War history. Settled in 1877 by former slaves fleeing the brutal policies of the post-Reconstruction South, it is still a thriving town today that retains its pride in its history.

Tips & Warnings

• Kansas has a number of other Civil War sites. As you travel, ask museum staff and locals about other sites.