Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence is a city located in Douglas County, Kansas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 80,098. Lawrence is the county seat of Douglas County, and is the home of the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

History

Lawrence is located in northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, and west of Kansas City. The city was founded in 1854 for the New England Emigrant Aid Company by Charles Robinson, and named after Amos Adams Lawrence, the son of famed philanthropist Amos Lawrence.

Related Topics:
Kansas River - Kansas City - 1854 - New England Emigrant Aid Company - Charles Robinson - Amos Adams Lawrence - Amos Lawrence

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In the Civil War era, Lawrence was a center of anti-slavery sentiment. On May 21, 1856, a pro-slavery posse led by Sheriff Samuel J. Jones burned the Free-State Hotel, destroyed the equipment of two anti-slavery newspapers, and looted several other businesses. No loss of life was recorded (see Sacking of Lawrence). On August 21, 1863, however, pro-slavery forces led by William Quantrill burned most of the homes and businesses in Lawrence, and killed 150-200 of the men they found in Lawrence (see Lawrence Massacre).

Related Topics:
Slavery - May 21 - 1856 - Sacking of Lawrence - August 21 - 1863 - William Quantrill - Lawrence Massacre

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The University of Kansas was founded in Lawrence in 1866, by the citizens of Lawrence, under a charter granted by the Kansas Legislature, with the donation of 40 acres (160,000 m²) of land on Mount Oread by former Kansas Governor Charles Robinson and his wife Sara and small monetary gift from Amos Adams Lawrence. As a college town, Lawrence is known for its liberal philosophy and unique culture.

Related Topics:
University of Kansas - 1866 - Charles Robinson - Amos Adams Lawrence

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Lawrence also holds the distinction of being the site of operation for the state's first railroad in 1871 and the city where the state's first telephone was installed in 1877.

Related Topics:
Railroad - 1871 - Telephone - 1877

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Lawrence has two public high schools: Lawrence High School and Free State High School. The athletic teams of the former are nicknamed the Chesty Lions, and those of the latter are nicknamed the Firebirds. Private high schools include Bishop Seabury Academy, which is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, and the non-denominational Veritas Christian School.

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Lawrence's sister cities are Eutin, Germany, Hiratsuka, Japan, and El Papaturro, El Salvador.

Related Topics:
Sister cities - Eutin, Germany - Hiratsuka, Japan - El Salvador

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