Settled in 1854, the town of Lawrence in the Kansas Territory was a crucial point during the Civil War. Prior to statehood Lawrence was defended by John Brown in the 1855 Wakarusa War, sacked by sheriff Sam Jones in 1856, and was designated the free state capital of the Kansas Territory from 1857-1860. The abolitionists eventually prevailed and on January 29, 1861 Kansas was admitted to the Union. At least 143 men were massacred on August 21, 1863 when Lawrence was burned to the ground by the pro-slavery forces of William Quantrill. Much of the town was rebuilt following the raid, and some of those buildings are still there; bronze plaques mark the most significant historic structures. Exhibits of those pioneer years and Lawrence’s free state heritage are on display at the Watkins Museum.Just four days after the burning of Lawrence, General Ewing of the Union Army issued Order #11 which called for the destruction of most of four Western Missouri Counties. The order was carried out with vicious glee and that ignited a long lingering feud between Missouri and Kansas.

The University of Kansas was founded in Lawrence in 1865; as a college town, Lawrence is known for its liberal philosophy and distinctive culture. Lawrence KS is the home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

In 1989, when the Free State Brewing Company opened at 636 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS, it was the first legal brewery in Kansas in more than 100 years. The restaurant is in a renovated inter-trolley station in downtown Lawrence. The city is also home to the state's only commercial hydro-electric plant; although there are plans to build a second one by 2012.

Lawrence, KS is a thriving city now; the sixth largest city in Kansas, located in Western KS in the County of Douglas.  Located 25 miles east of Topeka, KS, and approximately 41 miles west of Kansas City, MO, it sits on the banks of the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. In 2009, the city had an estimated population of  over 92,000.

Like any college town the population rises and falls depending on the time of year. Lawrence offers many types of entertainment, a vast selection of fine eateries and lodging.  Historic Massachusetts Street is part of the vibrant downtown. Stroll down Mass St. from 6th ST to 11th St. and browse toy stores, art galleries and boutiques, a one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

The Midland Railway operates excursion trains on a line originally constructed in 1867. Trains cover a 20-mile round trip from Baldwin City via Norwood to Ottawa Junction, Kansas, traveling through scenic eastern Kansas farmland and woods using vintage railway equipment.

Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) first opened its doors in 1884 as the United States Indian Industrial Training School. In 1890, the name of the school officially changed to Haskell Institute in honor of Dudley C. Haskell, the congressman instrumental in having the school built in Lawrence. Within 10 years, the school expanded to include secondary curriculum. Less than 30 years later the institution focused on senior-high programming, and in 1970 the institution received accreditation as a junior college. In 1992, the National Haskell Board of Regents recommended a new name to reflect its vision for Haskell as a national center for Indian education, research, and cultural preservation. In 1993, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs (U. S. Department of the Interior) approved the change, and Haskell became "Haskell Indian Nations University." Today, Haskell has an average enrollment of over 1000 students each semester.

Thanks for visiting Lawrence, KS Horse Farm