Frontier life in northeast Kansas during the territorial and Civil War years.

Abstract

The first settlers in Kansas faced nearly insurmountable obstacles in establishing civilization on the Great Plains. They arrived to find the only available shelter was the vast open prairie with the sky for a roof. They lived in the most primitive shelters during winters of extreme cold. Hardship was an everyday occurrence to them. To add to their problems border ruffians, from Missouri, made raids into the territory, burning towns, cabins and crops, plundering, and stealing livestock. For a time the Missouri River was closed to northern emigration and shipping adding further difficulty. The Panic of 1857 and high interest rates added to their hard times. The pioneers were finally forced to accept money and relief goods from the East to survive. Gold was discovered in western Kansas which gave hope briefly but proved to be a "humbug" for most. Hard times returned with the Drouth of 1860. Rags again were in fashion and food was scarce. The East again generously responded to appeals for help. Kansas became the thirty-fourth state on January 29, 1861, which brought great rejoicing. This was soon overshadowed by the outbreak of the Civil War. Men left to fight and women were home alone. Bushwhackers and guerrilla bands made raids into Kansas bringing destruction and deprivation. Jayhawkers made raids into Missouri freeing slaves, stealing horses and other plunder. In retaliation for the attack on Osceola, Missouri, Quantrill and bands of guerrillas descended on Lawrence which left most of the town in flames and 150 male residents dead. General Ewing's Order No. Eleven reduced guerrilla activity on the border. Troops under General Sterling Price fought Union troops and Kansas militia near the border. This brought an end to military activity in the West. The war soon drew to a close and men came home. The settlers hoped for quieter. peaceful times ahead.