Jayhawker facts for kids
Jayhawkers was a name used just before the American Civil War in an area called Bleeding Kansas. It was adopted by groups of fighters who supported Kansas becoming a "free state" (meaning without slavery). These groups, known as "Jayhawkers," were like guerrilla fighters. They often fought with groups from Missouri who supported slavery, known as "Border Ruffians."
After the Civil War, the word "Jayhawker" became a way to describe people from Kansas. Today, a Jayhawk is usually a student, fan, or former student of the University of Kansas. "Jayhawk" is also the name of their mascot, which is a mythical bird. This bird's story is connected to the "Bleeding Kansas" time period.
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What is a Jayhawker?
The term "Jayhawker" was first used by a group of travelers heading to California in 1849. Some people think the word might even go back to the American Revolutionary War, where it was used for a group connected to an American patriot named John Jay.
Around 1858, the word "jayhawking" became a common way to say "stealing." It was also used during the time when Kansas was a territory. The term then started to describe armed groups who supported the idea of Kansas being a free state.
Historians describe Jayhawkers as groups of men who were ready to fight, and sometimes rob, for different reasons. One main reason was to defend against pro-slavery groups who raided into Kansas. In Missouri, "Jayhawker" was a negative word for Kansans who raided into Missouri. These raids sometimes involved taking property and freeing slaves.
Important Jayhawker Leaders
James Henry Lane moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1855. Even though he was a Democrat, he joined the Free-Staters. He quickly became one of the main leaders of the Jayhawkers. Later, he became a Union General and a U.S. Senator. He led the 3rd and 4th Kansas Infantry and 5th Kansas Cavalry on raids into Missouri. During these raids, they burned most of the town of Osceola, Missouri, took many supplies, and freed the enslaved people there.
Charles R. Jennison was another leader who led raids into Missouri. He was in charge of the "Independent Mounted Kansas Jayhawkers," also known as the 7th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. This group was commonly called Jennison's Jayhawkers.
The University of Kansas Jayhawks
In 1890, the football team at the University of Kansas started calling themselves the "Jayhawkers." Later, this was shortened to "Jayhawk." The team and their mascot, a mythical bird, became known as the Jayhawks. Their connection to the Jayhawkers from the "Bleeding Kansas" era and the Civil War is an important part of their history.
Images for kids
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A poster recruiting men for the Independent Kansas Jay-Hawkers.
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Marshall Cleveland, a Jayhawker, with his weapons.
See also
In Spanish: Jayhawkers para niños
