 Lecompton, Kansas was one of the seven Kansas Territorial Capitols. Founded by 1854 by pro slavery Missourians, Lecompton was intended to become the state capitol, and the United States Congress authorized funds to build the Capitol Building. But when the Lecompton Constitution was defeated, it was clear that Kansas was not going to enter the Union and the capital would not be in Lecompton. The unfinished building was used during the battle that took place when James Lane attempted to destroy the town in 1856. The shell was unfinished until 1882 when Lane University (a United Brethren college) completed the structure and moved in. The school continued until it was united with Campbell University in 1902. During the Lane University period, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s parents met and married there. The former capitol building and school is now a community historical museum. Much of the museum is devoted to the 1850s, Lane University and the Eisenhowers. Although viewing everything in the three floors of exhibits could take several hours, most visitors will be satisfied with an hour or less.
Lane University
& Territorial Capitol Museum website
copyright 2006-2008 by Keith Stokes |
