Camp Sacket facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Sacket |
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| southwest of Lecompton, Kansas | |
 Camp Sacket
Camp Sacket
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| Coordinates | 39°00′55″N 95°25′51″W / 39.0154°N 95.4307°W |
| Type | U.S. Army camp |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Fort Leavenworth |
| Site history | |
| Built | ca. May 1856 |
| In use | ca. May 1856 - March 1857 |
| Materials | was mainly tents, some wooden structures built |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Maj. John Sedgwick, Lieut. Col. Philip St. George Cooke, Lieut. Col. George Andrews, Capt. E. W. B. Newby |
| Garrison | troops from Fort Leavenworth |
Camp Sacket, sometimes spelled Camp Sackett, was a temporary military camp. It was located southeast of Lecompton, Kansas. The camp moved several times for different reasons. It was set up around May 1856.
The camp was named after Captain Delos B. Sackett. He was an important officer stationed there. Captain Sackett later served in the American Civil War. He stayed with the U.S. Army until 1881. He retired as a brigadier general, which is a high rank.
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What Was Camp Sacket?
Camp Sacket was an army post. It was mainly made of tents. Some simple wooden buildings were also built. The camp was used from May 1856 to March 1857.
The camp was controlled by Fort Leavenworth. Soldiers from Fort Leavenworth were stationed there. They were sent to help keep peace in Kansas.
Why Was Camp Sacket Important?
Camp Sacket was set up during a time called "Bleeding Kansas". This was a period of fighting in Kansas Territory. People disagreed about whether Kansas should allow slavery or be a free state.
The camp's main job was to support the official government in Lecompton. This government supported the idea of slavery. However, there was also a "free-state" government. This second government was led by Charles L. Robinson. The U.S. government did not recognize Robinson's group.
The soldiers at Camp Sacket tried to stay neutral. They did not want to pick a side. But both sides often accused the Army of helping the other.
Keeping the Peace
For several months, from May to September 1856, Charles Robinson was held at Camp Sacket. Six other free-state supporters were also prisoners there. While they were held, the soldiers worked hard. They tried to stop fights between the two sides. Their goal was to prevent a full-scale war.
In August 1856, more soldiers arrived. Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke came with 500 men. This was a big help to the 100 soldiers already there.
Famous Officers
Many officers at Camp Sacket later became famous. They played important roles in the upcoming Civil War. Some of these officers included:
- Major John Sedgwick
- Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart
- Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Johnston
- Colonel Edwin V. Sumner
- Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke
These officers gained experience at Camp Sacket. This experience helped them in their later careers.
Camp Sacket's Role in the Conflict
Soldiers from Camp Sacket were often sent out. They went to different places to stop trouble. Troops were sent to Lawrence, Topeka, and Lecompton. They also went to many smaller towns and rural areas. Their job was to prevent violence and keep order.
The Camp Closes
By the end of March 1857, the camp's time was over. All the soldiers at Camp Sacket were ordered to return to Fort Leavenworth. The acting governor, Daniel Woodson, asked the Army to keep the camp open. But his request was not accepted. Camp Sacket was officially closed.
