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 located in Lecompton, Kansas, United States. It was started in 1865 by Reverend Solomon Weaver, who was also its first president. The college was named after U.S. Senator James H. Lane. Senator Lane was an important leader for the "free-state" side during a time when people were arguing about whether Kansas should allow slavery. Lecompton, where the college was, had been the capital for the "pro-slavery" group.
Contents
A College's Beginning
Lane University first opened in a building that used to be the Rowena Hotel. In 1865, the state of Kansas gave the university 13 acres of land. This land included the foundation of a building that was supposed to be the Kansas Territorial Capitol in Lecompton.
Building the Campus
In 1882, a new college building was built on the southern part of that old foundation. This new building became the main part of Lane University.
Who Ran the College?
The Church of the United Brethren in Christ owned and managed Lane University for its entire history. Most of the college presidents were also pastors from this church.
Students and Faculty
By the year 1900, Lane University had 11 teachers and 178 students. In 1902, Lane University joined with another school called Campbell University. Together, they formed a new college named Campbell College (Kansas). Lane University finally closed its doors in 1933.
Famous Connections
Did you know that the parents of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower met at Lane University? David Eisenhower and Ida Stover were students there. They even got married in the college chapel in 1885!
Lane University Today
Today, the old Lane University building is a museum. It is called the Territorial Capital Museum. This museum teaches visitors about Kansas history before the American Civil War. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
It's good to remember that Lane University is not the same as Lane College, which is in Jackson, Tennessee.
Images for kids
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This picture shows the never-completed Kansas state capitol building in Lecompton. The college was built on its foundation.
