Founded as an abolitionist settlement in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Society, Lawrence was at the center of the controversy concerning slavery that embroiled the state prior to the Civil War. Although the anti-slavery faction won, the other side ultimately had the last word. In 1863 Confederate guerrilla William Quantrill and 400 bushwhackers swept into Lawrence and attacked the ill-prepared home guard, leaving more than 200 dead and causing $1.5 million worth of damage, thus fueling animosities and retaliations between Kansans and Missourians. Learn More...