John D. Henderson facts for kids
John D. "Colonel Jack" Henderson was an American editor, rancher, and businessman. He was also a politician who supported slavery in the Kansas Territory. He held the rank of Colonel during a difficult time in Kansas history known as the Border Wars or Bleeding Kansas.
Contents
Who Was Colonel Jack Henderson?
John D. Henderson was born in Pennsylvania. Later, he moved to the Kansas Territory. There, he became a strong supporter of slavery. He owned and edited a newspaper called the Leavenworth Journal. Henderson was chosen as the Chairman of the Central Committee for the pro-slavery National Democratic Party of Kansas. However, some people later questioned the fairness of the votes.
Henderson's Ranch and Trading Post
In 1859, Henderson built a ranch, a trading post, and a hotel. These were located on Henderson Island in the South Platte River. This area was part of Arapaho County in the Kansas Territory at the time.
Helping Gold Seekers
Henderson sold food and supplies to people searching for gold. These gold seekers were traveling along the South Platte River Trail. They were heading to the gold fields during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. Henderson Island became the very first lasting settlement in the South Platte River Valley. It was located between Fort Saint Vrain in the Nebraska Territory and the Cherry Creek Diggings in the Kansas Territory.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Colorado, Henderson went back to eastern Kansas. He fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
Later, Henderson bought several gold mines in Colorado. During a visit to Colorado, he and about eighteen other people faced a conflict with a group of Osage people. This happened because they crossed Osage territory while carrying weapons.
Today, the Adams County Fairgrounds are located on what was once Henderson Island. The community of Henderson, Colorado, has mostly become part of Commerce City, Colorado.]
