LAWRENCE, Kan. — Each August Lawrence remembers its Civil War history during Civil War on the Western Frontier (CWWF). CWWF events commemorate the region’s turbulent period from 1854 to 1865. This year marks the 14th anniversary of CWWF and features a variety of activities from August 8-22. Programs include dramatic performances, scholarly lectures, living history and reenactments – all designed to impart an understanding of and appreciation for the region’s fiery history and the pre-Civil War era.
The events center on the anniversary of the infamous Quantrill’s Raid, which many historians consider to be the most atrocious act of the Civil War. On the morning of August 21, 1863, William Quantrill and pro-confederate guerillas stormed the city devastating Lawrence, leaving behind nearly 200 victims and $1.5 million in damages.
CWWF events include a Quantrill’s Raid Walking Tour that traces the path of the raid and the events surrounding it, a Civil War encampment re-enactment and tours of historic Lecompton and the Black Jack Battlefield. Kids can participate in a workshop that teaches them about the history of mud forts in the era and culminates with them building their own mud fort on the banks of the Kansas River.
For a complete calendar of activities and community information log on to visitlawrence.com.
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CIVIL WAR ON THE WESTERN FRONTIER
AUGUST 8-22, 2009
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
On-Going Events
Lawrence: Free State Fortress ∙ Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
View a 27-minute docu-drama that chronicles the first 10 years of Lawrence’s history and culminates with Quantrill’s Raid of the city on August 21, 1863.
Location: Lawrence Visitor Information Center, 402 North 2nd ∙ 785-865-4499 ∙ No admission charge
Murphy-Bromelsick House ∙ Saturday, Sunday & Mondays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tour the 1860s era home located on the John Speer property. Displays include artifacts and exhibits relating to the social and political legacy of newspaperman Speer, the history of Lawrence, and the drama of America’s struggle for freedom and civil rights.
Location: 900 Delaware St. ∙ No admission charge
August 8
Cherishing Our Historical Legacy ∙ 11 a.m.
Marla Matkin will give a first person portrayal of one of the female survivors of Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts ∙ 785-841-4109 ∙ No admission charge
August 10 – 11
Hey Kids, Let’s Build a Mud Fort ∙ Presented by Lawrence Parks & Recreation ∙ 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Civil War on the Western Frontier for kids. Learn why mud forts were built to protect early Lawrence, and make your own over two days! One adult registration required for each child. Pre-registration is required.
Location: Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. 2nd St. ∙ Admission charge. For more information, please contact, jellis [at] ci [dot] lawrence [dot] ks [dot] us.
August 15
Civil War Living History Encampment ∙ Presented by 4th Missouri Light Artillery and the 9th Texas ∙ 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Living history re-enactment. Activities include: camp life, demonstrations and artifacts.
Location: South Park, 1145 Massachusetts St. ∙ 785-865-4499 ∙ No admission charge
Walking Tour of Quantrill’s Raid ∙ 7:30 a.m. & 9 a.m.
Walk Historical Massachusetts Street where on August 21, 1863 Quantrill’s Raiders destroyed much of the town and killed hundreds of men and boys. Listen to many firsthand accounts of the raid and its aftermath. Reservations required.
Location: Watkins Museum 1047 Massachusetts St. ∙ 785-841-4109 ∙ Admission charge
Tour Historic Lecompton ∙ Presented by Paul Bahnmaier & Charlene Winter ∙ 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tour Historic Lecompton, the Territorial Capitol. Visit Constitution Hall, National Landmark Kansas Historic Site tour, Territorial Capital Museum National Register Site. Also tour Territorial Democratic Headquarters.
Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson, Lecompton, KS ∙ 785-887-6148 ∙ No admission charge
Portrayal of John Brown ∙ Presented by Kerry Altenbernd of the Black Jack Battlefield Trust ∙ 3 p.m.
Come spend an afternoon with John Brown as he tells of his life and his time in Kansas.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts St. ∙ 785-841-4109 ∙ No admission charge
August 16
Tour Historic Lecompton ∙ Presented by Paul Bahnmaier & Charlene Winter ∙ 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tour Historic Lecompton, the Territorial Capitol. Visit Constitution Hall, National Landmark Kansas Historic Site tour, Territorial Capital Museum National Register Site and Territorial Democratic Headquarters.
Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson, Lecompton, KS ∙ 785-887-6148 ∙ No admission charge
Tour of the Black Jack Battlefield ∙ Conducted by John Brown ∙ 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Guided tour of the Black Jack Battlefield where John Brown and Henry Clay Pate fought what most considered to be the first battle of the Civil War, June 2, 1856.
Location: Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park, 163 E 2000 Rd.,Wellsville, KS ∙ No admission charge
info [at] blackjackbattlefield [dot] org
Tour Native Prairie ∙ 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Tour parts of the 40-acre Black Jack park that includes ecosystems typical of eastern Kansas prairie. Santa Fe Trail ruts can also be seen within the park.
Location: Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park, 163 E 2000 Rd.,Wellsville, KS ∙ No admission charge
info [at] blackjackbattlefield [dot] org
August 17
Abe and Mary ∙ 7 p.m.
Herschel and Jacque Stroud talk about the Lincolns' background, their family tree, and the fate of their descendants, using the Lincoln Family Album, a remarkable historical record of the Lincolns' life in the White House.
Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. ∙ 785-843-3833 ∙ No admission charge
August 19
Edwin J. Talcott, Surgeon ∙ 7 p.m.
First-person portrayal of Civil War surgeon Edwin J. Talcott, 8th Kansas Infantry, including a display and demonstration of medical equipment from the period. ∙
Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. ∙ 785-843-3833 ∙ No admission charge
August 20
Professor Farquar’s Great American Medicine Show ∙ Presented by Lawrence Public Library ∙ 7 p.m.
A dazzling display of demagoguery and hokum in the tradition of the best 18th century snake oil salesmen. Music, magic, mirth and the Wild West escapades of Miss Polecat Annie too!
Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. ∙ 785-843-3833 ∙ No admission charge
Lincoln and Me ∙ Presented by Herschel Stroud, KS Rep. to the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission ∙ 7 p.m.
Speech is a reflection on the deeper insight into the Abraham Lincoln persona he has gained from the up-close glimpse from Lincoln Scholars and Authors across the nation.
Location: Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts St. ∙ 785-841.4109 ∙ No admission charge
August 21
Quantrill's Raid Graveyard Walk ∙ 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Visit the graves of the victims of the Raid with local historian Katie Armitage, on the anniversary night of Quantrill's Raid. Meet the people who rest here as they come alive to tell their story. Ages: 14 and Up. Enrollment Min 10 / Max 25. Pre-registration required.
Location: Register at South Park Rec Center, 1141 Massachusetts St. ∙ 785-832-7930 ∙ Admission charge
August 22
Roll Call of Victims ∙ 12 p.m.
Roll call of the names of the victims of Quantrill’s Raid on the lawn between the Douglas County Courthouse and the Judicial Building. Bell from the old English Lutheran Church will toll as names are read.
Location: 11th & New Hampshire St. ∙ 785-865-4499 ∙ Admission charge
