Museum Guide News

Le Compton, KS is the political birthplace of the American Civil War – Learn more about this area through the Le Compton Historical Society by visiting our two museums, Constitution Hall, Lane University, plus other historic sites, restaurants and shops.

A visit to Lecompton, KS the “Civil War Birthplace – Where Slavery Began To Die”, will take you to the roots of America’s Civil War. Lecompton, Territorial Capitol of Kansas from 1855 to 1861, is located just an hour west of Kansas City on I-70 between Lawrence and Topeka, KS.  The Lecompton area encompasses many sites that are part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.

You can begin with a tour of Constitution Hall: a National Landmark, Kansas Historic Site, and finalist as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. This 2-story white frame building was built in 1856 and was the site of the writing of the famous Lecompton Constitution which would have admitted Kansas as a Southern state. The rejection of this document split the Democratic Party and led to the election of President Lincoln. The name “Lecompton” was used 51 times during the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The 30 minute visit will include displays of Territorial Kansas and its impact on the history of the United States and the Civil War.

Then visit the Territorial Capital Museum, a National Register Site. Construction of the building was begun with an appropriation of $50,000 from the federal government to be the capitol of Kansas and later completed as Lane University. The parents of President Eisenhower met and were married here while students in 1884-85. The museum contains 3 floors of Civil War and Victorian artifacts.  About an hour.

Visitors may also visit Territorial Democratic Headquarters, located overlooking the Kansas River. Bald Eagles often may be seen at this location. 30 minutes. We have a walking (or driving) tour that will show you all of the historic sites in Lecompton!

We welcome you to check us out online and explore all that Le Compton Historical Society is all about! https://lecomptonkansas.com/