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Louisiana Purchase
Most of Kansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase when the United States bought the land from France.
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Kansas: Exploration and Emigration
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Great American Desert
In 1820, Stephen Long traveled to Kansas and described it as "The Great American Desert" in an atlas he published. (NOTE: The year was 1820)
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Indian Removal Act
President Andrew Jackson pushed congress to pass the Indian Removal Act. This act allowed the president to move Indian tribes to Kansas to make room for white settlers. The relocated tribes were known as Emigrant Indians. -
Shawnee Indian Mission
Shawnee Mission, like many others, was established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls from Shawnee, Delaware, and other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. It also served as a means to convert Native children to Christianity. <p>Image Source
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Homestead Act
In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act with the approval of President Lincoln. The orginal act was vetoed in 1860 by President Buchanan. The Homestead Act caused tensions between the Emigrant Indians and the new settlers.
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Exodusters
In 1879, a group of African American, ex-slaves led by Pap Singleton began their emigration to Kansas from the South. This group became known as the Exodusters. They left the South to escape discrimination, including Jim Crow Laws which made racial segregation legal. They came to Kansas in search of land ownership and better opportunities. Many settled in the all African American town of Nicodemus. <p>Image Source -
Haskell Indian Nations University
In 1884, Haskell started under the name of United States Indian Industrial Training School. The purpose of the school was to teach Native children a trade, mostly farming for boys and homemaking for girls. The children were not allowed to speak their languages, practice their religions or wear their traditinal clothes. Many tried to run away and died in the Wetlands. <p>Image Source
