So we’ve all been learning about the crazy amount of historical information that is associated with Kansas. And, living in Lawrence, we probably have a pretty good idea of the amazing events occurring here. Contrail’s Raid, the Underground Railroad, Native American Heritage… we’re even noted in more recent times to be the town in which the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was published for the very first time (in the midst of controversy, as is only fitting for Kansas happenings.) All of that in mind, I thought I’d share some information about a little town just northwest of Lawrence.

Lecompton, as we discussed in class, was the first capital of the Kansas Territory when it was expected that Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state. There are a number of sites here that are still of interest. Among them are the first Democratic headquarters in Kansas, the Territorial Capital building, Rowena Hotel, a replica of Fort Titus, and Lane University.

This brings me to my particular point of interest, at least as it pertains to this blog. As the town of Lecompton was expected to become a thriving capital, land and money were donated to build the capital building. The hotel, churches, and the capital building located on the main street in town encouraged all who saw them to believe that they were part of history in the making, and the foundations of a new capital building promised a bright future. Unfortunately, the infamy of the territorial capital has long since outlived its glory.

After the Lecompton Constitution was defeated in Congress in favor of the Topeka Constitution, building on the new capital building stopped. For awhile building materials laid out under the open sky. The land was eventually donated to land university, and the building was completed and dedicated in 1882. It was named after James Lane, a Kansas Senator who had ironically tried to destroy the town shortly after the ratification of Kansas’ constitution. James was intended to endow the University, but was prevented from doing so by his suicide in 1866. (On a side note: Dwight D. Eisenhower’s parents met at the University and were married in Lecompton. Also, James Lane is buried in Oak Hill Cemetary right here in Lawrence.)

Most of these buildings have disappeared or at least fallen out of use and into disrepair. The Capital building recently was nominated as a finalist in the 8 Wonders of Kansas competition, but ultimately was not chosen. Along with Lane University it has been preserved and is now a museum and an historical landmark.

So where am I going with all of this? Lecompton is a very cool little town. And all of you have the opportunity to explore its history this weekend. Lecompton Territorial days begin Friday night and end late on Saturday. There is a great little small town carnival with some rides and food. More to our interest, however, there will also be a ton of demonstrations, speeches, etc. about life in the territories, Lecompton’s contribution to American history, and James Lane. Please check your e-mail for more information!

The information above was compiled from the following cites as well as the notes from class: