August events explore Lawrence's history during the Civil War
The Civil War on the Western Frontier will provide residents of Lawrence a perspective on the city's history during the Civil War.
AUGUST 11
Historic Lecompton Tour; 1 pm
Tour of Historic Lecompton includes Constitution Hall, Territorial Capital Museum, National Landmark and Territorial Democratic Headquarters.
Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson, 785.887.6148, Free
Film: Ride with the Devil; 11 am–1:20 pm
Oscar winner Ang Lee directs Tobey Maguire, Jeffrey Wright, Skeet Ulrich and Jewel in this gripping drama about four people fighting for justice amidst the turmoil of the Civil War.
Location: Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. 2nd, 785.856.3040, Free
AUGUST 12
Historic Lecompton Tour; 1 pm
Tour of Historic Lecompton includes Constitution Hall, Territorial Capital Museum, National Landmark and Territorial Democratic Headquarters.
Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson, 785.887.6148, Free
Film: Bloody Dawn, The Lawrence Massacre; 3–4 pm
Dawn was clear and bright when Quantrill’s Raiders arrived in Lawrence with the intent of retribution.
Location: Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. 2nd, 785.856.3040, Free
AUGUST 13-14
Kids, Let’s Build a Mud Fort; 9 am-11 am
In the 1850s, Lawrence men built mud forts to protect the city from groups of Missouri men camped along the Wakarusa River. Day one, kids learn about the history of the forts. Day two, they build one!
Location: Parks and Recreation, 11 W 11th St., 785.832.7920, $, Pre-registration required
AUGUST 16
Civil War in Kansas: 10 Years of Turmoil; 7 pm
Debra Goodrich Bisel will discuss her new book about the Border War between Kansas and Missouri, which ignited the American Civil War in the East.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, Donations Welcome
AUGUST 17
Flashlight Cemetery Tour; 8-9:30 pm
Visit the graves of Quantrill’s Raid victims and meet the people who rest there as they come alive to tell their stories.
Location: Parks and Recreation, 11 W 11th St., 785.832.7920, $, Pre-registration required, Ages 14 and older.
AUGUST 18
Walking Tour of Quantrill’s Raid; 8:30 – 10 am
Walk Massachusetts Street where on Aug. 21, 1863 Quantrill’s Raiders destroyed much of the town and killed more than 180 men and boys. Listen to firsthand accounts of the raid and its aftermath.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, $
Fire and Fall Back: Quantrill’s Leave-taking from Kansas; 10-11 am
When Quantrill turned his back on Lawrence, he and his men went south and then east over Franklin and Miami counties, burning and terrorizing as they went. Historians Deb Barker and John Nichols, trace the raiders’ path as they hightailed it for Missouri.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, Donations Welcome
Walking Tour of Quantrill’s Raid; 11 am–12:30 pm
Walk Massachusetts Street where on Aug. 21, 1863 Quantrill’s Raiders destroyed much of the town and killed more than 180 men and boys. Listen to firsthand accounts of the raid and its aftermath.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, $
John Brown Returns to Black Jack Battlefield; 1 pm
Follow along with John Brown as he takes you on a guided tour of the Black Jack Battlefield.
Location: 163 East 2000 Road, 3 miles east of Baldwin City on Hwy 56, 785.856.3040, Free
A Voice for Kanzas, Debra McArthur, Author; 2 pm
Author Debra McArthur presents a program for children about life in Kansas leading up to the Civil War. Hear the story of a young girl who becomes passionate about the slavery controversy. As she gains her voice, she makes the decision to stand up and do what she feels is right, even in the face of danger.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, Donations Welcome
Concert of Civil War Era Music; 4 pm
Enjoy the Kaw Valley Concert Band as they perform Civil War era music.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, Donations Welcome
Roll Call of Victims; 5 pm
Roll call of the names of the victims of Quantrill’s Raid on the steps of Watkins Museum.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts, 785.841.4109, Free
AUGUST 19
John Brown Returns to Black Jack Battlefield; 1 pm
Follow along with John Brown as he takes you on a guided tour of the Black Jack Battlefield.
Location: 163 East 2000 Road, 3 miles east of Baldwin City on Hwy 56, 785.856.3040, Free