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Kansas: To the Stars through Difficulty
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Railroads in Kansas
On March 30th, 1857, the first rail was laid by the Elwood and Marysville Railroad company in Doniphan County, which paved the way for more railways through the state. In Kansas, railroad companies were given one-sixth of the land from our state. The railroads brought towns and business to Kansas, but they also led to the end of the cattle trails and the cowboys. (This picture was taken in Lawrence in 1867.) -
Lecompton Constitution
Before Kansas could become a state, the territorial government had to create a constitution, which Congress had to accept. Because of the issue of slavery, several constitutions were written. The second was the Lecompton Constitution. Under this constitution, Kansas would enter the Union as a slave state. It was quickly defeated by the territorial government. -
The Leavenworth Constitution
Before Kansas could become a state, the territorial government had to create a constitution, which Congress had to accept. Because of the issue of slavery, several constitutions were written. The third attempt at a constitution was the Leavenworth Constitution. This constitution was anti-slavery and gave the right to vote to all men, African American, Native American and white. Although it had more support than the Lecompton Constitution, it was not supported by enough votes in Congress. -
Wyandotte Constitution
Before Kansas could become a state, the territorial government had to create a constitution, which Congress had to accept. Because of the issue of slavery, several constitutions were written. The fourth and final was the Wyandotte Constitution, which is still the base of Kansas government. This constitution banned slavery and gave more rights to women, including rights over their property and children and the right to vote in school board elections. -
Kansas becomes a state, with Topeka as the capitol
After Congress votes to adopt the Wyandotte Constitution, Kansas becomes the 34th state to enter the Union. It enters as a free state with expanded rights for women. The Civil War begins this year as well, some believe as a direct result of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Topeka was voted as the capitol city, with Lawrence coming in second. -
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.
Image Source: http://haysvillelibrary.wordpress -
Pacific Railroad Act
President Lincoln signs the Pacific Railroad Act. This act provided Federal government support for the building of the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed on May 10, 1869.
Image Source: http://memory.loc.gov -
Cattle Drives and Cowboys
(NOTE: This date is not exact, but approximate). After the Civil War, soldiers returning to Texas found little job opportunities. Also, there was a shortage of beef in the east. The solution was the start of the cattle trails and the life of the cowboy. The most famous route, the Chisholm Trail, had cowboys driving cattle from San Antonio, Texas to Abilene, Kansas. Technological developments like barbed wire and the railroad eventually led to the end of the cowboy-era in the 1890s. -
Building Starts on Topeka Capitol Building
Construction of the Kansas State Capitol Building began in 1866. Although the Capitol Building was in use by the legislature starting in 1869, it took 37 years and $3,200,000 to complete. NIne lives were lost in the building of the capitol. The latest addition was the statue of a Kansa Indian on top of the dome in 2002. -
Barbed Wire
In 1873, Joseph Glidden is credited with inventing barbed wire. This was one of the first things that led to the end of the cattle trails. Farmers and ranchers used the new fencing to keep the herded cattle out of their property.
Image Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Barbed_Wire%2C_SC%2C_Victoria%2C_15.9.2007.jpg -
Harvey House
In 1876, the first Harvey House opened in Topeka, Kansas. Harvey House restaurants were geared toward railroad passengers and offered good food and service. The restaurants became known for their pretty waitresses, called Harvey Girls.
Image Source: http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/fred-harvey/15507 -
End of Cattle Trails to Kansas
After outbreaks of Texas Fever, Kansas closes its borders to Texas cattle.
Image Source: http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/0c/ContentImage-5832-84754-CTR_Lg_map.jpg
