|
Bleeding Kansas & the Missouri Frontier
Civil War Comes to the Troubled Territories
Sept 25–Oct 2
Historian Guide Neil Mangum
Unrest was a fact of life on the Kansas
and Missouri Frontier. This issue of
slavery pitted Northern abolitionists
against pro-slavery Southerners, with
the matter decided by whichever side
could rush the most settlers into the
territory. Thus the stage was set for murderous
mob rule.
Everyone knew that when Kansas
became a state it would alter the balance of
power between North and South. Northern
abolitionists sponsored free-soil
settlers, while pro-slavery factions flooded
the territory with slave owners. Missouri
was a funnel into Kansas for the pro-slavery
faction, which initially gained the
upper hand in control of the territory.
Border ruffians from Missouri attacked
free-soilers, and the fanatic abolitionist John Brown and his sons
massacred pro-slavery settlers. Kansas soon became a powder
keg that exploded into many bloody conflicts, characterized by
lynching and burning — a continual steam of violence that could
not be contained. Hundreds died during the time of Bleeding
Kansas, flash point for the Civil War.
Missouri eventually became the third most fought over state
during the war and was the scene of savage fighting, mostly guerrilla
warfare, with small bands of mounted raiders destroying anything
military or civilian that could aid the enemy.
This exciting tour is led by Neil Mangum, career public
historian and popular guide for HistoryAmerica TOURS. With
lively humor and in-depth commentary, he will lend insight to
the sights and take you where history happened during these
momentous times.
TOUR INCLUDES
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
- Historian Guide: Neil Mangum
- Services of a professional tour director
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- All admissions to included features
- Seven nights hotel accommodations
- Seven breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Welcome briefing
- All taxes, baggage handling, & gratuities on included features
- Suggested reading list
COST:
Per person double occupancy - $2,650
Per person single occupancy - $2,995
Click to request a 2010 printed Travel Guide.
|
|
ITINERARY
Saturday, September 25
Gather at the Kansas City Courtyard by Marriott–Country
Club Plaza for a briefing and welcome dinner hosted by Neil Mangum and HistoryAmerica
TOURS.
Sunday, September 26
The Storied Frontier:
Today we pay homage
to the legacies of an era long passed, first
with a visit to the Jesse James Farm. At the
National Frontier Trails Museum we learn
what it was like to say goodbye to all that
was near and dear and go forth into the
wilderness. The spectacular exhibit of the
Steamboat Arabia excavated from the
Missouri River mud reveals details of frontier
life like nowhere else.
Monday, September 27
Storm Clouds Gather:
The trail leads to St. Joseph, famous
for where the Pony Express began in 1860 and the notorious Jesse
James met his end in 1882. En route to Lawrence, our headquarters
for the next 4 days, we will pass through Troy and Atchison, Kansas,
where Lincoln began his campaign for the presidency
Tuesday, September 28
Kansas Territory Before the Civil War:
The day begins at the Kansas Historical Museum in Topeka, then it’s
on to Fort Riley and the first Territorial Capital. Afternoon stops are
in Le Compton, site of Constitution Hall, and the Goodman House in
Manhattan.
Wednesday, September 29
John Brown & Bleeding Kansas: The Pottawatomie Massacre site shows us where John Brown and his
small force murdered pro-slavery settlers in retaliation for the
sacking of Lawrence. We will also study the June 2,1856, battle of
Black Jack that pitted abolitionists against pro-slavery elements
under Henry Pate. This afternoon we will visit the John Brown
Museum in Osawatomie, another battle site of border ruffians and
Brown’s entourage. Last we’ll see the Shawnee Mission in Olathe
and the Mahaffie House.
Thursday, September 30
Jayhawkers vs Redlegs:
Today we investigate one of the last violent acts leading up the Civil War in
Kansas, the Marais des Cygnes Massacre. We will tour Ft. Scott and
then cross the state line and enter Missouri to discuss the Battle of
Dry Wood Creek. From there we travel to Osceola, scene of a
Jayhawker endeavor to destroy pro-Southerners and their homes.
Friday, October 1
Quantrill’s Raid – the Pursuit:
From Lawrence we
pick up Quantrill’s Raiders following their course from Lawrence
back to Missouri. We will pass by the skirmish sites of Cornfield and
Big Hill, and also the Mine Run battlefield, the last major battle in
Kansas resulting in the defeat of Confederates under General
Sterling Price. We return to the Kansas City Courtyard Hotel for our
farewell dinner.
Saturday, October 2
Depart at your leisure after breakfast.
|
