Lecompton, Kansas - History and Information

Lecompton, Kansas - Page 2

One of the main pro-slavery advocates was a man named Colonel Henry T. Titus, who built a fortified log house about two miles south of Lecompton. After Free-State men had destroyed another slavery stronghold called Fort Saunders on August 15, 1856, the Jayhawkers turned their attention to Fort Titus the following day. At dawn, some 400 Free-Staters, divided into two parties, surrounded Fort Titus and a cannon was pointed directly at the fortified cabin. In the battle that ensued, the Free-State men killed one man and wounded six others, including Colonel Titus.

When the pro-slavery advocates finally surrendered, the Jayhawkers captured some 400 muskets, a large number of knives and pistols, 13 horses, several wagons, supplies and provisions, $10,000 in gold and bank drafts, and 34 prisoners. However, the Jayhawkers also suffered in the battle, with six men wounded and one killed.

The victors then burned Fort Titus to the ground and the prisoners were taken to Lawrence where they were "exchanged" on August 18th under a treaty made between Governor Wilson Shannon and the Free-State leaders. Today, the Titus cabin has been rebuilt by the Lecompton Historical Society, and sits about 100 yards southeast of the Territorial Capitol Museum.

Fort Titus in Lecompton, Kansas today,

Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

The following year, in 1857, the large three-story stone Rowena Hotel was built as well as a Southern Methodist Church of stone. The next year, the first school in Lecompton would be taught in this building. The Presbyterians also built a church in 1858.

The city was the site of the Lecompton Constitutional Convention on September 7, 1857 but adjourned to meet again in October. However, when the politicians reassembled at Constitution Hall on October 11th, they found several hundred Free-State men barring their entrance. They returned; however, eight days later with some 200 soldiers. The legislatures then drafted yet another constitution that included slavery, but it would not be accepted by the U.S. government.

Lecompton, at the height of its prosperity, in 1857-58, was quite a flourishing town. By 1858, it had a number of large hotels, four church organizations, the United States Court, and the U.S. land office. It was also headquarters for stage lines to Kansas City, Leavenworth and St. Joseph, Missouri and was called home to more than 1000 people. During these years 1856-1858, between 700-1000 U.S. cavalrymen and territorial militiamen were also stationed in the Lecompton area.

However, it was clear by January, 1858 that the pro-slavery advocates in Lecompton and elsewhere, were unlikely to win the “war” in Kansas. The progress of Lecompton was quickly halted and soon began to decline. In early 1858, Lecompton lost its county seat status and all county offices were moved to Lawrence. Before long, homes were removed, some to Lawrence, some to farms, and others went to decay. Fences began to fall down, sidewalks broke up, weeds and underbrush grew in the streets, and all work on public buildings was suspended. By the early 1880s the population had fallen to about 300 people and lots which had previously sold from $500 to $1,000, could be bought for $25.

After the Free-State party gained control, the Territorial Legislature continued to meet in Lecompton as the law required, but adjourned to Lawrence immediately afterwards. The last and session met in Lecompton on January 3, 1859.

Though Lecompton was not destined to become the town its founders hoped it would be, Lane University was established by the United Brethren Church in the old Rowena Hotel Building in 1865. Thirteen acres of the old territorial capitol grounds, together with the abandoned foundation of the capitol building were donated to the university by the state of Kansas the same year.

Lane University building continues to stand in Lecompton, photo by Alexander Gardener, 1867.

It was named in honor of James H. Lane, United States Senator from Kansas, who was to endow the college but did not live to carry out his promise. During the early days of the college its support was meager but the fourth annual conference of the United Brethren church, in Kansas and Oklahoma, began to improve the institution.

Continued Next Page

Democratic Headquarters, drawing by Henry Worrall, 1877.

Democratic Headquarters today, Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

This stone building was the headquarters of the Democratic Party during the Kansas Territorial period (1854-1861). Built in the 1850s it is thought to have once been the residence of William Simmons who "squatted" on the land a year before Kansas became a territory and was attached to a log cabin that has long since disappeared.. Later the building was acquired by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad before it fell into private hands. today, it is owned by the Lecompton Historical Society.

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