Lecompton, Kansas - History and Information

Lecompton, Kansas - Page 3

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On September 26, 1865, the the Kansas New Era newspaper was established at Lecompton, but its time was brief in the city, as on May 22, 1867, the paper was moved to Medina in Jefferson County, and later, to Valley Falls, where it became the Valley Falls New Era.

In 1872, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was built through Lecompton, which breathed some new life into the waning community and in the early 1880s the community began to experience more prosperity. At that time, quite a number of good, substantial frame houses were built and other building improvements made. However, that same year the Presbyterian Church was sold and then used as a private residence. In the meantime, the roof had blown off on the Southern Methodist Church and part of one side fell down. It was never rebuilt.

Lecompton's main street buildings, called Elmore Street,

are empty today. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

In 1882 the United Brethren Church added a two-story building to Lane University on the south half of the old unfinished capitol foundation. In 1891 Lane University was once again expanded to embrace preparatory, normal, commercial and college departments, a divinity school and special departments of music and elocution. By 1900; however, the population of the school had fallen to just 178 students and 11 faculty. In 1902, it was merged with Campbell University to form Campbell College and moved to Holton, Kansas. Today Lane University is a museum known as Lane University & Territorial Capital Museum, dedicated to Kansas history before the Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1910, Lecompton had a money order post office, telegraph and express facilities, several retail establishments and reported a population of 386. The small town suffered a blow in 1916 when it’s the east side of its main street (Elmore) was destroyed by fire. Though some buildings were replaced with brick structures, others were never rebuilt.

When the frame business buildings on the east side of Elmore Street (main) were destroyed by fire in 1916, they were replaced with brick structures that are still in use. A mural depicting the town as it appeared before the fire is located in the local post office building.

Over the years, Lecompton remained a small town and is now a “bedroom community” serving primarily commuters into Lawrence and Topeka. The area population is about 600 today.

A number of historic sites remain in Lecompton to tell of its fascinating history including the Lane University & Territorial Capital Museum, Constitution Hall, a Kansas state historic site; the old Democratic Headquarters, the rebuilt Fort Titus

, and several historic buildings, including the old Radical United Brethren Church which now serves as a community building. Lecompton is located about 12 miles northwest of Lawrence. Take U.S. Highway 40 west from Lawrence for about 8 miles, then turn right on E 600th Road to Lecompton.

The old United Bretheren Church now serves as Lecompton's Community Building. Kathy Weiser, March, 2009.

Contact Information:

Historic Lecompton

Lecompton Historical Society
640 E. Woodson
Lecompton, Kansas 66050
785-887-6285 or 785-887-6148

Compiled and edited by Kathy Weiser/Legends of Kansas, updated April, 2010.

About the Article: Much of the historic text in this article comes from Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, edited by Frank W. Blackmar, published in 1912 as well as Kansas: History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler ; published in 1883 . However, other sources have also been used, the content combined, and heavily edited.

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