Civil War Sesquicentennial: Missouri & Kansas
2011 marks the sesquicentennial, 150 years, of the Civil War and Kansas statehood. From mansions to battlefields, it’s a great time to visit our historical sites.
In and Around KC
Now a trendy shopping, dining and bar area, Westport was once a wagon train outfitting stop on the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails and the site of the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. Today you can peruse the streets, checking out the architecture and reading the historical markers, or take a Westport Historical Society tour. Visit the restored antebellum Harris-Kearney House or the Battle of Westport Visitor Center. Call 816.561.1821.
In 2011, the Alexander Majors Historic House and Museum and John Wornall House in Kansas City are merging! Recently, the Majors house was in danger of closing, but with combined resources and new programs, both sites will continue to delight and inform visitors. Step back in time when you visit either site, with living history, workshops and more. At the Majors house, see the blacksmiths shop and Conestoga freighting wagons. Take the ghost tour at the Wornall house; it was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Call 816.444.1858.
The Atkins-Johnson Farm in Gladstone, MO, is currently being restored and will be opening to the public this year. The farm saw no civil war or territorial action but is a great example of the period.
45 to 75 Minutes
Visit Constitution Hall Museum in Lecompton, KS, where state delegates vehemently debated the slavery issue, or the Fort Titus Cabin, where the Battle of Fort Titus was fought during the Missouri/Kansas Border War. Lecompton celebrates its history with the annual two-day Territorial Days, including a carnival, tournaments and Civil War reenactments. Saturday, June 25 - Sunday, June 26. Admission is free. Call 785.887.6617 or visit www.LecomptonTerritorialDays.com.
The center of free-state activity, Lawrence, was the central target for pro-slavery violence. Pick up free brochures outlining self-guided tours of Quantrill’s Raid and John Brown-related sites or download a free audio tour at the Lawrence Visitor’s Center.
In a brief fight, abolitionist John Brown forced the surrender of Henry Clay Pate’s pro-slavery men in the Battle of Black Jack by Baldwin City near Lawrence. Visit the 155th Anniversary Event at Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, experience live period music, demonstrations and performers, guest speakers, farmstead tours, vendors/crafts and nature park tours. Saturday, June 4. Free admission. Call 785.883.2106 or visit www.BlackJackBattlefield.org.
1 to 2 hours
Mine Creek Battlefield, the site of one of the largest cavalry showdowns of the Civil War, looks much like it did 147 years ago. Check out the visitor center or walk the creek banks where 2800 Union soldiers defeated 8000 Confederates in 1864.
Fort Scott is an 1840s frontier fort with 20 structures, 33 furnished rooms and museum exhibits. Check out the interpretive programs, tours and special events. Open 8:30-5:00. Read our Fort Scott Day Trip Guide for more information.
The Marais des Cygnes Historical Landmark is also in the area. After a Bleeding Kansas massacre that occurred here, John Brown built a fort on the site. The fort is no longer standing, but there are outdoor exhibits to explore. Open dawn to dusk. Free admission. Contact 913.352.8890
A transplant from Australia, Victoria Pressley is a military spouse,stay-at-home mom and aspiring picture book writer in Leavenworth.