Stewart's Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stewart's Fort |
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|---|---|
| Lawrence, Kansas | |
| Coordinates | 38°54′38″N 95°13′07″W / 38.9105°N 95.2187°W |
| Type | private free-state fort during the Bleeding Kansas era |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | John E. Stewart |
| Site history | |
| Built | possibly 1859 |
| In use | 1859 to ca. 1862 |
| Materials | possibly wood and stone |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
John E. Stewart |
| Garrison | Stewart and at times freed slaves |
Stewart's Fort was a special house in Lawrence, Kansas. It was built around 1859 by a man named John E. Stewart. He was a "free stater," meaning he believed Kansas should not allow slavery. This fort was a safe place during a time called "Bleeding Kansas." This was when people fought over whether Kansas would be a free state or a slave state.
Contents
Stewart's Fort: A Safe Place in Kansas
A Home and a Fortress
Rev. John E. Stewart moved near Lawrence, Kansas, around 1859. He chose a spot by the Wakarusa River. Here, he built a strong home that became known as Stewart's Fort. We don't know much about the fort's exact design. But it was hidden by bushes and had defensive walls. This made it a good place for protection.
Helping Others to Freedom
John E. Stewart was also called the "Fighting Preacher." He used his fort as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the North. Many people seeking freedom passed through Stewart's Fort. They were on their way to safer places.
At this time, Kansas Territory was a battleground. Some people wanted Kansas to be a free state. Others wanted it to allow slavery. Because Stewart helped so many people, his actions were often overlooked by those who supported slavery.
A Night Battle at the Fort
In the summer of 1860, several people who had escaped slavery were at Stewart's Fort. They were waiting to travel further north. A man named William Quantrill found out about them. He and seven others planned to capture these people. They wanted to sell them or get rewards.
Quantrill stayed hidden during the attack. He did not want Stewart to know he was involved. The other seven men demanded that Stewart hand over the people. Stewart refused. He had given weapons to the people seeking freedom. A fight started and lasted all night. Only one person was captured. Most of the others left as planned. Stewart never found out that Quantrill was part of the plan to recapture them.
The Fort's Legacy
It's not clear how long Stewart used his fort for defense. We also don't know how long it served as an Underground Railroad station. He likely lived there until at least 1862. Stewart's Fort played an important role in the fight for freedom in Kansas.
