Mount Oread Civil War posts facts for kids

Watertower Park now sits on top of Mount Oread where the Civil War posts were formerly located

During the American Civil War, the town of Lawrence, Kansas needed better protection. Because of this, a military camp was set up on top of Mount Oread. This camp was likely named Camp Ewing, after a general named Thomas Ewing. It helped keep Lawrence safe until the war ended.

Camp Ewing: A Civil War Post

Camp Ewing was a military post built during the American Civil War. It was located on Mount Oread, which is a hill southwest of Lawrence, Kansas. This camp was important for defending the town. It was named after Brig. Gen. Thomas Ewing, a Union Army officer.

Why Lawrence Needed Defenses

In the early part of the Civil War, Lawrence was not well protected. This changed after a major event on August 21, 1863. On that day, a group led by William Quantrill launched a surprise attack on the town. This event showed how vulnerable Lawrence was.

After this attack, Union soldiers realized Lawrence needed permanent defenses. By early 1864, soldiers began to stay full-time on Mount Oread. This high ground was a good spot to watch over the town. The camp helped make sure such an attack would not happen again.

Life at Camp Ewing

Soldiers lived and trained at Camp Ewing. Their main job was to protect Lawrence from further attacks. They would have built temporary structures for shelter. The camp served as a base for military operations in the area. It was a busy place, filled with the daily routines of army life.

The End of the Camp

The military post on Mount Oread was used throughout the rest of the Civil War. It played its part in keeping Lawrence secure. When the war finally ended in 1865, there was no longer a need for the camp. The military structures were taken down. Today, Watertower Park sits on the spot where Camp Ewing once stood.