These eastern Kansas historic sites commemorate the role the state played in the fight against slavery and the ongoing battle to end racism.

Many historians now believe the first Civil War battle occurred in 1856, when abolitionist John Brown’s Free State forces defeated proslavery militia after an intense, armed engagement on what is now Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park near Wellsville. Three months later, Brown’s outnumbered outfit saved lives by delaying border ruffians on their way to attack Osawatomie. The John Brown Museum State Historic Site preserves the battlefield and the original log cabin owned by Brown’s half-sister that served as an Underground Railroad station.

Enslaved people also found refuge at Topeka’s Historic Ritchie House, built in 1856 for John and Mary Jane Ritchie who, like many abolitionists, moved to Kansas to prevent slavery from spreading into the territory. John later helped write the Free State Constitution that brought Kansas into the Union in 1861.

Fairway’s Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site tells the complex story of this manual training school for children of the Shawnee, Delaware and other Native Americans. The site served as one of the first Kansas Territory capitals. The capital then moved to Lecompton, where in 1857, James Lane and others protested the proslavery Lecompton Constitutional Convention held at what is now Constitution Hall State Historic Site.

Near Pleasanton, Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site reveals how proslavery forces marched 10 unarmed free-state men into a ravine and opened fire in 1858. The post-Civil War all-Black regiments, nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers, earn long-delayed recognition at the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum in Leavenworth.

A century after the Civil War, Fort Scott photographer Gordon Parks chronicled the Civil Rights Movement for two decades in Life magazine and became the first Black person to direct and produce a film for a major Hollywood studio. The Gordon Parks Museum in his hometown highlights his many achievements.

A soundtrack of rustling tallgrass, live music and birdsong accompanies prairie explorers. Experience it all at these peaceful sites.

Discover

Encounter the history of the Kanza people (for whom the state is named) at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove. A 2-mile walking trail threads wildflower-dotted prairie and woods.

Photograph

Wait until after a rainy spell to shoot Chase Lake Falls, a three-tiered waterfall outside of Cottonwood Falls.

Savor

After feasting on Copper Creek Cattle Company steaks, relax in one of 10 spacious rooms at the 1884 Grand Central Hotel and Grill. Cowboy spur door knockers and other Western decor accent the Cottonwood Falls property.

Dance

Emma Chase Friday Night Music jam sessions, held either indoors at Prairie PastTimes or on the street in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

Dine

Order the fried chicken special at Hays House 1857 Restaurant and Tavern—billed as the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River—in Council Grove.

Explore

Cross a creek, hike atop limestone ledges and trek through the tallgrass to breathtaking hilltop views at Konza Prairie south of Manhattan.

Listen

Tune in to peaceful surroundings at Symphony in the Flint Hills, an annual June concert where Mother Nature provides the backdrop. Cowpokes drive cattle as the Kansas City Symphony plays the state song, “Home on the Range.”

tour

Near Strong City, park rangers at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve share the history of the 1881 Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch’s buildings and lead seasonal hikes through pastures where bison roam.

Explore the cultural roots of Kansas City on the KCK Legacy Trail. Sites include a statue of abolitionist John Brown and the Quindaro Ruins and Overlook, providing a view of where enslaved people swam to freedom.