FIRST TERRITORIAL CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE
Where legislators first met to establish a state government
HOURS
Open Mid April - Mid October
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday
12 - 5 p.m. Sunday
Closed Mid October - Mid April and state holidays
EVENTS CALENDAR
LOCATION
Exit 301 on I-70
Driving Directions
Address
693 Huebner Road
Fort Riley KS 66442
ADMISSION
Members Free
SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION
Adults $3
Students $1
Portions ADA accessible
Call ahead for
Group Tours
School Tours
As the national debate over slavery escalated, Kansas territorial legislators gathered to form a state government. Workers raced to finish the roof of the capitol as they arrived. Elected amid accusations of voter fraud, the proslavery majority refused to allow free-state lawmakers to be seated. After a two-day session, they adjourned and rescheduled for a venue near the Missouri border. Step into this hall for a view much like it was in 1855, and imagine the clash of convictions.
Tour First Territorial Capitol
Take a look inside this historic hall built in 1856 to see the exhibits awaiting your visit.
History of the site
Kansans had the right to choose whether their new state would allow or ban slavery. They they went to the polls nearly 5,000 Missourians crossed the border and cast illegal ballots. Freestaters claimed election fraud, intimidation, and violence at the polls.
When Governor Andrew Reeder called for a second election, proslavery newspapers and U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis demanded his removal.
The new territorial legislators brought the fight here to the new capital of Pawnee, Geary County. Nearby at Fort Riley, a cholera outbreak was causing concern. Tempers flared when legislators arrived on July 2, 1855. They were angry about the election, the distance from the Missouri border, and the unfinished town and building. They refused to stay in the new hotel and instead camped outside.
The proslavery majority kept free-state legislators from being seated. They quickly voted to adjourn and move near the Missouri border, leaving the capitol vacant after two days. The body reconvened at Shawnee Indian Mission, the the president of the assembly, Thomas Johnson, served, on July 16.
After Reeder vetoed their bill, he was soon replaced by another governor from the South. Reeder joined antislavery supporters in forming a free-state government.
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