Fort Saunders facts for kids

Fort Saunders was a strong building located about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Clinton, Kansas. It was also about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Lawrence, Kansas. This fort was owned by James D. Saunders, who was a militia captain. The town of Clinton itself mostly disappeared when Clinton Lake was built in the 1960s. Only one old building from Clinton remains today, which is now a museum.

What Was Fort Saunders?

Fort Saunders was a sturdy log house with two stories. It was likely built around May 1856 or even earlier. This fort became a key place for people from the southern states who had settled in the area. These settlers were often called "southern partisans" because they supported the idea of slavery.

The fort was designed to be very strong. It had special openings called "port holes" that allowed the people inside to shoot at anyone trying to attack them. There were also strong walls or "breastworks" built around the house for extra protection. Fort Saunders was located near Washington Creek in a very hilly area, probably on top of a high ridge. James Saunders, the owner, kept many U.S. Army muskets (a type of gun) inside his fort. These guns were meant to help defend Douglas County, according to Acting Governor Daniel Woodson.

What Happened at Fort Saunders?

In August 1856, groups of "northern partisans" began to attack the southern forts in the area. These northern partisans, also known as Free-Staters, were against slavery.

The Attack on Nearby Forts

On August 5, the Free-Staters captured another southern fort called New Georgia. Many of the southern defenders who escaped from New Georgia's fort went to Fort Saunders for safety. A few days later, on August 12, another southern fort called Franklin's Fort was captured after a fierce fight. On the same day, a northern leader named Maj. David S. Hoyt visited Fort Saunders. He wanted to learn about the conditions there.

A Meeting and a Tragedy

Major Hoyt spoke with Col. B. F. Treadwell, who was the commander of Fort Saunders. It seemed that men from the fort were causing trouble for the Free-State settlers. Some settlers were being harassed. People had asked the U.S. Army to step in and stop these problems. However, the Army would only act if the local government asked them to, and the government refused.

Hoyt tried to make a deal with Colonel Treadwell to end the problems, but he was not successful. Both Hoyt and Treadwell were Freemasons, a type of social club. Hoyt trusted Treadwell because they were fellow Masons. Hoyt was not hurt while he was at the fort. But on his way back home, he was killed and buried in a shallow grave.

The Fall of Fort Saunders

When Major Hoyt did not return home and his body was found near Fort Saunders, his Free-State friends wanted justice. On August 15, a large group of about 400 to 500 men, led by James H. Lane, marched toward Fort Saunders.

Guards from Fort Saunders saw the approaching men. Colonel Treadwell and all his men quickly ran away without firing a single shot. It's possible one man stayed behind, but he did not fight back. Governor Woodson later claimed that the muskets meant for defending Douglas County were stolen by the northerners. The southerners left behind food, weapons, and bullets. They even left a hot meal on the table! The Free-State forces took all the supplies. It was said that they found many items that had been taken from other places in the county. Before the northerners left, they burned the building down. Fort Saunders was never built again.

What Happened Next?

The very next day, Fort Titus, another southern stronghold located south of Lecompton (which was the capital of Kansas Territory at the time), was attacked and captured by the northerners. Many of the prisoners taken from Fort Titus were Georgians who had previously been at Fort Saunders.