When land opened as part of Kansas Territory, proslavery settlers arrived to promote their cause. The town of Atchison was founded by proslavery supporters. J. W. B. Kelley was one of a few freestaters and he was forced to leave after making antislavery remarks.

A group of Latter-day-Saints, or Mormons, who were headed west toward Salt Lake Valley camped in the area in 1855. The temporary village served as a rallying point or outfitting station for those making the long journey. Covering about 150 acres, it had make-shift dwellings, a small cemetery, and fencing to contain livestock.

Kansans knew Abraham Lincoln before his visit; he had gained prominence in a series of debates against Stephen Douglas while campaigning for a U.S. senate seat from Illinois. Lincoln, who lost the race to Douglas, was a Republican and was here to help his party’s candidates in the upcoming election. During his brief tour he spoke in Doniphan, Atchison, and Leavenworth counties to underscore the message that he believed slavery should not spread into the territory. His talking points became the core of an address he delivered a few months later as his presidential campaign became more public.