Up To Date

Two Constitution Halls Reflect The Struggle Over Slavery In Kansas

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 2, 2021 at 6:15 PM CST

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An illustration of the Topeka Constitutional Hall where, in October, 1855, delegates met to draft a constitution. Both that document and the request for admission to the Union were rejected by the U.S. Congress. — An illustration of the Topeka Constitutional Hall where in October, 1855, delegates met to draft a constitution. Both that document and the request for admission to the Union were rejected by the U.S. Congress.

As the country battled over the issue of slavery, what happened within these halls pushed America closer to civil war.

There were four constitutions written for Kansas before one actually saw the territory into statehood. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that Kansas has two constitution halls, one in Lecompton and the other in Topeka. Hear the stories of these historic structures and the different Kansas each represents.

Tim Rues, site administrator, Lecompton Constitution Hall
Chris Meinhardt, administrator, Topeka Constitution Hall

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Up To Date Podcast Kansas history historic preservation Topeka slavery Bleeding Kansas

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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