Mount Oread facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Oread |
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Old North College, the first building on the University of Kansas campus, at the northeast promontory of Mount Oread, looking north over Lawrence and the Kansas River, ca. 1867
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| Elevation | 1,037 ft (316 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Oread
Location in Kansas
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| Age of rock | Carboniferous |
Mount Oread is a well-known hill located in Lawrence, Kansas. The main campus of the University of Kansas (KU) is built on top of it. This hill is special because it sits on a "water divide." This means it separates the land where rainwater flows into the Kansas River from the land where water flows into the Wakarusa River. The hill got its name from the Oread Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. Before 1866, many people in Lawrence called it Hogback Ridge.
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Exploring Mount Oread
Mount Oread is a significant landmark in Lawrence, Kansas. It is famous for being the home of the University of Kansas. The hill's unique position on a "water divide" means it helps direct where rainwater goes. It sends water either towards the Kansas River or the Wakarusa River.
A Look at Its History
The name "Mount Oread" was officially chosen in 1866. Before that, many local people called it Hogback Ridge. The name "Oread" comes from the Oread Institute, a school in Massachusetts.
Important for Travelers
For early travelers heading west on the Oregon Trail, Mount Oread was a big challenge. After crossing the Wakarusa River (near where Haskell Indian Nations University is today), "The Hill" was the next major natural obstacle. It was a tough climb for wagon trains.
A Moment in History
Mount Oread was also a key location during the American Civil War. On August 21, 1863, a group led by William Quantrill launched a surprise attack on Lawrence. This event, known as the Lawrence Raid, happened on and around Mount Oread.
How Tall is Mount Oread?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measures the height of land. According to the USGS, Mount Oread is about 1,037 feet (316 meters) above sea level. For comparison, downtown Lawrence is about 846 feet (258 meters) above sea level. This shows that Mount Oread stands quite a bit higher than the city below.
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