Lane University facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lane University
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Lane University & Territorial Capital Museum
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | E side of Lecompton, Lecompton, Kansas |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1882 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000313 |
| Added to NRHP | March 24, 1971 |
Lane University was a college in Lecompton, Kansas. It was founded in 1865 by Rev. Solomon Weaver. The school was named after U.S. Senator James H. Lane.
Senator Lane was an important leader for the "free-state" side. This group wanted Kansas to become a state where slavery was not allowed. Lecompton had been a capital for the "pro-slavery" group. This group wanted slavery to be legal in Kansas.
Local stories say that a fundraising effort promised to name the university after the biggest donor. James H. Lane reportedly made the largest pledge. He received the honor of having the school named after him. However, he passed away before he could fully give his promised donation.
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The University's Early Days
In 1865, Lane University first opened in the Rowena Hotel. Later that year, the state gave the university 13 acres of land. This land included the foundation of what was meant to be the Kansas Territorial Capitol building.
A new college building was built in 1882. It stood on the south part of the old capitol foundation.
Who Ran Lane University?
The Church of the United Brethren in Christ owned and managed the school. They were in charge for its entire history. Most of the university's presidents were pastors from this church.
In 1900, the university had 11 teachers and 178 students. In 1902, Lane University joined with Campbell University. Together, they formed Campbell College (Kansas). The school finally closed its doors in 1933.
Famous Connections to Lane University
Lane University has a special connection to a former U.S. president. David Eisenhower and Ida Stover met there as students. They were the parents of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became president. David and Ida married in the university chapel in 1885.
Lane University Today
Today, the old Lane University building is a museum. It is called the Territorial Capital Museum. The museum teaches visitors about Kansas history before the American Civil War. It is an important historical site. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is important not to confuse Lane University with Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.
External links
- Lane University & Territorial Capital Museum
