List of battles fought in Kansas facts for kids

Kansas, a state in the United States of America, has a long history of conflicts. Before it became a state, different groups claimed this land. From 1535 to 1679, it was part of New Spain, controlled by the Spanish. Then, from 1679 to 1803, it became part of New France, under French rule. Finally, in 1803, it joined the United States. A small part of southwest Kansas was even claimed by the Republic of Texas after the Texas Revolution.

Two major wars directly impacted Kansas: the American Civil War (1860–1865) and the Plains Indian Wars. Kansas was also deeply affected by a period called Bleeding Kansas (1855–1861). During this time, settlers and outsiders fought fiercely. They wanted to decide if the territory would allow slavery (a slave state) or be free from it (a free state).

Early Conflicts in Kansas

Long before Kansas became a state, there were battles. These early fights involved Native American tribes and European explorers or traders.

Battle at Etzanoa (1601)

One of the earliest known battles happened in September 1601. It took place near what is now Arkansas City, Kansas. The Escanxaque people fought against forces from New Spain. We don't know how many people died in this conflict.

Battle of Chouteau's Island (1816)

In the spring of 1816, a battle occurred near modern Lakin, Kansas. Pawnee warriors fought against French fur traders. Eight people were killed in this fight.

Conflicts During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Even though Kansas was far from Mexico, some conflicts happened here during the Mexican–American War.

Love's Defeat (1847)

On June 26, 1847, near Garfield, Kansas, a group from the United States fought against Kiowa and Comanche warriors. Six Americans died in this event, known as Love's Defeat.

Battle of Coon Creek (1848)

In June 1848, near Kinsley, Kansas, the United States military faced off against Comanche and Osage warriors.

Bleeding Kansas: The Fight Over Slavery

The "Bleeding Kansas" period was a very violent time. People fought over whether Kansas would allow slavery or be a free state.

Wakarusa War (1855)

From November to December 1855, fighting broke out in Lawrence, Kansas and the Wakarusa River Valley. This conflict, called the Wakarusa War, involved Free-Staters (who opposed slavery) and Border Ruffians (who supported slavery). Two people died.

Sacking of Lawrence (1856)

On May 21, 1856, a mob of people who supported slavery attacked Lawrence, Kansas. This event is known as the Sacking of Lawrence. They targeted abolitionist civilians, and one person was killed.

Pottawatomie Massacre (1856)

Just a few days later, on May 24–25, 1856, a group of Free-Staters attacked pro-slavery settlers in Franklin County, Kansas. This violent event, the Pottawatomie massacre, resulted in five deaths.

Battle of Black Jack (1856)

On June 2, 1856, near Baldwin City, Kansas, Border Ruffians and Free-Staters clashed in the Battle of Black Jack.

Battle of Fort Titus (1856)

On August 16, 1856, in Douglas County, Kansas, Free-Staters fought Border Ruffians at the Battle of Fort Titus. Three people died.

Battle of Osawatomie (1856)

The Battle of Osawatomie took place on August 30, 1856, in Osawatomie, Kansas. Border Ruffians fought Free-Staters, and over 25 people were killed.

Marais des Cygnes Massacre (1858)

On May 19, 1858, another tragic event occurred near Trading Post, Kansas. This was the Marais des Cygnes massacre, where Border Ruffians killed five Free-Staters.

Battle of the Spurs (1859)

On January 31, 1859, near Netawaka, Kansas, a group led by famous abolitionist John Brown helped 12 enslaved people escape. They faced U.S. marshals in what became known as the Battle of the Spurs. No one died in this particular confrontation.

Kansas During the American Civil War (1861-1865)

Kansas played a role in the American Civil War, even though it was not a main battlefield.

Lawrence Massacre (1863)

One of the most devastating events was the Lawrence Massacre on August 21, 1863. Confederate forces, led by Quantrill, attacked Lawrence, Kansas. Over 150 people were killed, mostly civilians.

Fort Baxter Massacre (1863)

On October 6, 1863, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, another attack happened. This was the Fort Baxter Massacre, where Confederate forces killed over 100 United States soldiers.

Price's Raid (1864)

In October 1864, Confederate General Sterling Price led a large raid into Missouri and Kansas.

Battle of Marais des Cygnes (1864)

On October 25, 1864, in Linn County, Kansas, United States forces fought Confederate soldiers during Price's Raid.

Battle of Mine Creek (1864)

Also on October 25, 1864, in Linn County, the Battle of Mine Creek took place. This was one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War.

Plains Indian Wars in Kansas

After the Civil War, conflicts continued between the United States military and Native American tribes on the Great Plains.

Battle of Solomon Fork (1857)

On July 29, 1857, near Morland, Kansas, the United States military fought against the Southern Cheyenne people. Between 10 and 11 people died.

Fort Wallace Conflicts (1867)

Fort Wallace, located in modern Wallace, Kansas, was the site of several battles.

• On June 21, 1867, United States forces fought against Arapaho, Comanche, Kiowa, and Southern Cheyenne warriors. 28 people were killed.
• On June 26, 1867, another clash occurred at Fort Wallace, with one death.

Kidder Massacre (1867)

On July 2, 1867, near Goodland, Kansas, 12 United States soldiers were killed by Northern Cheyenne and Sioux warriors in what is known as the Kidder Massacre.

Battle of the Saline River (1867)

In August 1867, in modern Ellis County, Kansas, the United States military fought against Southern Cheyenne. Over 31 people died.

Battle of Punished Woman Fork (1878)

On September 27, 1878, in Scott County, Kansas, United States forces fought Southern Cheyenne in the Battle of Punished Woman Fork. One person was killed.

Other Notable Confrontations

Coffeyville Bank Robbery (1892)

On October 5, 1892, a famous shootout happened in Coffeyville, Kansas. The notorious Dalton Gang tried to rob two banks at once. City law enforcement and citizens fought back, and eight people were killed, including most of the gang members.