Dunavant, Kansas facts for kids
Dunavant is a small, unincorporated community located in Jefferson County, Kansas, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does.
Contents
Dunavant once had its own post office, which opened in 1888. It served the community for many years before closing down in 1932. Back in 1910, about 85 people called Dunavant home. A couple of years later, in 1912, it was a busy little spot with a post office where you could send money orders, and a telegraph office for sending quick messages. It was also connected by a branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which was important for travel and trade back then.
The Battle of Hickory Point
A very important event in Kansas history, called the Battle of Hickory Point, happened near Dunavant on September 13 and 14, 1856. This was during a time known as "Bleeding Kansas," when people were fighting over whether Kansas should allow slavery or be a free state.
On September 13, a group of men who supported slavery, often called "Border Ruffians," were staying in log buildings near Dunavant. They had recently attacked a nearby town called Valley Falls. James H. Lane, a leader of the "Free-State" men (who wanted Kansas to be a free state), led his group, sometimes called "jayhawkers," to attack the Border Ruffians.
Lane's first attack didn't succeed, so he sent for more help and cannons from Lawrence. The next day, September 14, more Free-State fighters arrived. The fight ended with some people injured and one person killed. After the battle, about 100 Free-State men were held by U.S. soldiers because the governor had told everyone to stop fighting. However, the jayhawkers said they were just defending themselves, and they were eventually let go.
Today, you can find a special marker for the Battle of Hickory Point about half a mile away, on U.S. Route 59.
The Farm Where a Famous Painter Was Born
.jpg)
Close to the Battle of Hickory Point marker is the farm where a famous American painter named John Steuart Curry was born. He was born in 1897. His old farmhouse has been moved to Oskaloosa, and there are plans to turn it into a museum so people can learn about his life and work.
John Steuart Curry became well-known for his paintings, especially one of John Brown, who was a famous abolitionist (someone who fought against slavery). This painting is at the Kansas State Capitol. He also painted a powerful picture called Law vs. Mob Rule, which shows a judge protecting someone from a mob. This painting is in Washington, D.C.
Dunavant is located at coordinates 39°18′07″N 95°19′58″W / 39.30194°N 95.33278°W. It sits at an elevation of about 1,155 feet (352 meters) above sea level.
- John Steuart Curry (1897–1946), a famous painter.
