BLEEDING KANSAS (1854-1861) U.S. History Product Timeline by : Oliver Nielsen Per. 7

By Oliver Nielsen

  • Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society

    Eli Thayer from Massachusetts creates the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Society. Promotes the settlement of anti-slavery groups in Kansas. They are some of the first groups who try to promote a Free State.

  • The Kansas-Nebraska Act

    The Kansas-Nebraska Act
    It was signed and passed by President Franklin Pierce. The Kansas Territory was open for settlement.

  • Abolitionist John Brown

    Abolitionist John Brown
    Abolitionist John Brown arrives in Osawatomie, Kansas. One of the most famous figures in the fight for a free state. He used action and violence to try and eliminate slavery.

  • The Sacking of Lawrence

    The Sacking of Lawrence
    A group of 700 armed pro-slavery men raided Lawrence which was a town of abolitionists. They destroyed the Free State Hotel and destroyed the newspaper presses.

  • The Pottawatomie Massacre

    John Brown led a group of men in retaliation to the Lawrence raid. They murdered 5 pro-slavery men.

  • The Battle of Fort Titus

    The Battle of Fort Titus was in Lecompton, Kansas. 400 free-staters attacked Fort Titus under command of Samuel Walker. Cannonballs destroyed the fort walls. 3 men were killed. 13 were injured.

  • Battle of Osawatomie

    Battle of Osawatomie
    John Brown leads a raid on a pro-slavery group at the settlement at Pottawatomie Creek. This is the first battle over slavery in the U.S. 5 men were killed. 400 pro-slavery Missourians attack the town. John Brown alongside 40 men try to defend the town. The settlement was burned and John Brown's son Fredrick was killed.

  • Lecompton Constitution

    Lecompton Constitution
    A group of pro-slavery men meet in Lecompton to write up a constitution to try and establish Kansas as a state. This causes more conflict and bloodshed. Growing frustration creates murderers and thieves.

  • Massacre of Marais des Cygnes

    A famous confrontation at the river in Pleasanton, Lin County between abolitionists and pro-slavery groups. There were 5 victims. They have been called martyrs for freedom.

  • Legislature Passes a Bill

    The Territorial Legislature passes a bill to abolish slavery in Kansas. It was passed over the governor's veto.

  • The Civil War Begins

    The American Civil War took place in the United States from 1861 to 1865 and it was fought between the North (Union) and the South (Confederates).