Kansas enters the Union as a free state following six years of fighting between violence between abolitionist Free-Staters and "Border Ruffians" from Missouri and Arkansas. Following a serious of partisan attacks, the abolitionists drafted the Wyandotte Constitution in 1859, securing Kansas' admission as a free state.
For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive. Donate
