Kansas In the 1850s

Kansas in the 1850s

Kansas Territory was opened for settlement in 1854 after the signing of the Kansas Nebraska Act.   The settlers of the territory were to decide if Kansas would enter the US as a free or slave state, causing the territory to be an unpredictable, unsafe place to live during much of that time. 

Most early Kansas settlers chose the eastern part of the territory for their homes.  With the Missouri border so near and easy to cross, and most Missourians favoring slavery, accusations of illegal voting by Missourians in Kansas elections were heard. Arguing, fighting, rampaging, and killing took place between members of the pro-slavery and free-state factions, causing this time period to be called “Bleeding Kansas.”  Many early settlers left personal accounts of the difficulties they suffered, providing important information and insight into the history of Kansas. 

The land of Kansas Territory consisted mostly of open tall-grass prairie, with only 5% of it having trees.  Life was difficult and harsh. Preparing the native prairie for farming required breaking up the soil to remove the deeply rooted plants and many rocks that might be only about a foot beneath the surface. The rough ground then needed to be broken up and smoothed out before planting.  Rock fences were built for animal pens. This was back-breaking work. Kansas weather consisted of cold winters, hot summers, high winds, tornados, prairie fires, and unpredictable rains, all of which affected crop and garden production.  The devastating grasshopper invasions of the 1870s, when crops, homes, and even clothing were destroyed by the insects, are still talked about today.

Caring for the basic necessities of daily life was challenging and time-consuming. Water was carried from streams and creeks to lean-tos and dugouts. Later, wells were dug and cabins built. Meat was hunted or caught.  All food was cooked over a fire. Clothing was sewn by hand and washing took a full day. Goods were available in Westport, Missouri, often involving a two-week trip.  By 1860, multiple towns had been formed, and goods were available closer to home.

Early Kansas settlers valued education for men and women. Schoolrooms were set up in homes as soon as possible. Once public education was available, both sexes were admitted – even at the college level. Religion was also important with services held in homes until churches could be erected. Buildings were used as both schools and churches since the communities valued both highly. 

Kansas pioneer men and women worked together diligently, with strength, determination, and grit to form the territory into a great state. Appropriately the Kansas state motto is “Ad Astra per Aspera” or “To the Stars Through Difficulty.” Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861.