Sara Robinson – Political Activist (1827 – 1911); Lawrence
By Campbell Leitch, Watkins Museum of History, 2026
In Brief:
Sara Robinson came to Lawrence as part of the New England Emigrant Aid Company in 1855. She was a strong abolitionist and wrote about her life in Kansas. Her articles were published in east-coast newspapers and brought attention to the events occurring in Kansas Territory. Sara’s book, Kansas: Its Interior and Exterior Life, written in 1856, was often compared to Uncle Tom’s Cabin for its impact on the abolitionist cause. She also recorded her recollections of the sacking of Lawrence in 1856 and Quantrill’s Raid in 1863.
When her husband, Dr. Charles Robinson, became the first governor of Kansas, she became the original First Lady of Kansas.
More Information:
Sara Robinson was much more than the inaugural First Lady of Kansas. Her writings about life in Kansas Territory and advocacy for abolitionism were remarkable. In her obituary, she was called a “woman who occupied a singular position” in the state.
Sara was born in Massachusetts in 1827, and her father made sure she received a classical education equal to her brothers. She first met Dr. Charles Robinson when he treated her spine injury. They later wed and arrived in Lawrence as part of the New England Emigrant Aid Company in 1855.
Part historian, part advocate, Robinson wrote articles that were published in east coast newspapers. Kansas: Its Interior and Exterior Life, a book written by Robinson in 1856, was often compared to Uncle Tom’s Cabin for its impact on the abolitionist cause. Robinson also recorded her recollections of both the sacking of Lawrence in 1856 and Quantrill’s raid in 1863.
Sara and Charles later donated much of the land that is now the University of Kansas, continuing Sara’s legacy of education.
Image:findagrave.com/memorial/12041/sarah-tappan_doolittle-robinson
