Wakarusa War

The Wakarusa War began on December 1, 1855 in the state of Kansas. A small army of Missourians, acting under the command of Sheriff Samuel J. Jones, entered Kansas and laid siege to Lawrence in the opening stages of what would later become known as "The Wakarusa War." Under the influences and appliances of pro-slavery opponents, all Western Missouri was stirred to its very depths, and vomited forth an army for the subjugation of the Abolitionists of Lawrence.

Related Topics:
December 1 - 1855 - Kansas - Missouri

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The siege was commenced. The main body of the invaders were encamped on the Wakarusa bottoms, a little southeast of Franklin, some six miles from Lawrence. The invading army numbered at its highest not far from 1,500 men. They were indifferently armed as a whole, although they had broken into the United States Arsenal at Liberty Clay Co., Mo., and stolen guns, cutlasses and cannon, and such munitions of war as they required.

Related Topics:
Franklin - United States - Liberty

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A treaty of peace negotiation was announced amid much disorder and cries for the reading of the treaty shortly afterwards. It quelled the disorder and its provisions were generally accepted. The only fatal casualty occurring during the siege resulted in the death of one of the Free-state men who had come up to the defense of Lawrence. On March 30, 1855 "Border Ruffians" from Missouri invaded Kansas during the territory's first election and forced the election of a pro-slavery legislature.

Related Topics:
March 30 - 1855 - Border Ruffians - Missouri - Slavery

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