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Lecompton, Kansas

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Lecompton (pronounced /lɪˈkɒmptən/)[4] is a city in Douglas County, Kansas, United States.[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 588.[3] Lecompton, located on the Kansas River, was the de jure territorial capital of Kansas from 1855 to 1861, and the Douglas County seat from 1855 to 1858. Anti-slavery Lawrence became the de facto capital during the latter part of this period, when the county seat was moved there. This time period was known as Bleeding Kansas, due to the violence perpetrated by the pro-slavery, and to a lesser extent the anti-slavery, factions in the eastern part of the state. Lecompton was a hotbed of pro-slavery sentiment during the mid-1800s.

Lecompton, Kansas
City
1857 Constitution Hall (2009)
1857 Constitution Hall (2009)
Location within Douglas County and Kansas
Location within Douglas County and Kansas
KDOT map of Douglas County (legend) Lecompton, upper left.)
KDOT map of Douglas County (legend) Lecompton, upper left.)
Coordinates: 39°2′40″N 95°23′41″W / 39.04444°N 95.39472°W / 39.04444; -95.39472[1]
CountryUnited States
StateKansas
CountyDouglas
Founded1854
Incorporated1855
Named forSamuel Dexter Lecompte
Area
[2]
 • Total1.76 sq mi (4.57 km2)
 • Land1.76 sq mi (4.55 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
[1]
925 ft (282 m)
Population
 (2020)[3]
 • Total588
 • Density330/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
66050
Area code785
FIPS code20-39150
GNIS ID2395667[1]
Websitelecompton.org

History

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19th century

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Lecompton was founded in 1854, on a bluff on the south bank of the Kansas River. It was originally called Bald Eagle, and was renamed Lecompton in honor of Samuel Dexter Lecompte, the chief justice of the territorial Supreme Court.[5] In August 1855, the city became the capital of the Kansas Territory after President Franklin Pierce appointed Andrew Horatio Reeder as governor and charged him and his officials with establishing government offices in Lecompton.[6] The city soon became a stronghold of pro-slavery politics and Southern sympathy, which put it in conflict with nearby Lawrence, which had been founded by Free-Staters from Massachusetts.

The first post office in Lecompton was established in September 1855.[7] The city served as the seat of Douglas County, until 1858, when it was moved to Lawrence.

In late 1857, a convention met in Constitution Hall and drafted the Lecompton Constitution, under which Kansas would have been a slave state. The constitution was rejected by Congress after intense national debate and was one of the prime topics of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. The controversy contributed to the growing dispute soon to erupt in civil war. The Lecompton Constitution failed, in part, because the antislavery party won control of the territorial legislature in the election of 1857. The new legislature met at Constitution Hall and immediately began to abolish the pro-slavery laws of what they called the Bogus Legislature, the territory's pro-slavery lawmakers since July 1855.

The free-staters briefly attempted to move the territorial capital to Minneola through a vote, although the resulting bill was later vetoed by Kansas territorial governor James W. Denver, and ruled void by U.S. Attorney General Jeremiah S. Black.[8] As such, Lecompton remained the de jure territorial capital until the victorious free-state leaders officially chose Topeka as capital when Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861.

In 1865, the United Brethren Church established a university in Lecompton. Occupying the Rowena hotel that was originally built for the Territorial Legislature and visitors, the university later built a stone building in 1882 on the foundation of the started, but not completed, capitol building. Named "Lane University" after the free-stater James H. Lane, the university brought professors and students to community. It thrived until 1902, when Lane University moved to Holton, Kansas and merged to form Campbell College, which in turn merged with the now-defunct Kansas City University.[9][10][11] The bell from Lane University went with the move, and today can be found on the campus of Holton High School. The Lane University building was then used for the high school in Lecompton until a larger brick building was built just to the south of it in 1926.[12] The Lane University building fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, the community raised funds to rehabilitate the old building to become the Territorial Capital Museum, maintained by the Lecompton Historical Society.[13] Two blocks away is Constitution Hall, where the infamous Lecompton Constitution was written in 1857. Constitution Hall is a museum operated by the Kansas Historical Society.[14]

In the 1880s, there was some dissension in the United Brethren Church concerning secret organizations, causing the congregation to split. One group built another church on adjoining land which they named the Radical United Brethren Church. It burned about 1902 and a limestone church building replaced it. The former church was used as the Lecompton City Hall until about 2006, when a newer city hall was built in the old Lecompton Fire Station. The limestone church building is now a community building and a Douglas County sheriff's substation. In 2016, the Radical United Brethren Church was placed on the Kansas Register for Historic Places. With the building's addition to the historic register, Lecompton now has four buildings on either Kansas or national registers. The other three are Constitutional Hall, where two state constitutions were drafted in the 1850s in hopes of bringing Kansas into the union as a slave state; the Democratic Headquarters from the Bleeding Kansas era; and the Lane University building, which is now the Territorial Capital Museum.[15]

When the frame business buildings on the east side of main street (Elmore) were destroyed by fire in 1916, they were replaced with brick structures. A mural depicting the city as it appeared before the fire is located in the local post office building.

  •  
    Lecompton in 1867
  •  
    Former Kansas Democratic Headquarters
  •  
    Former Lane University, now the Territorial Capital Museum
  •  
    Former Lecompton City Jail
  •  
    Radical United Brethren Church
  •  
    Governor's mansion in Lecompton in 1857
  •  
    Drawing of planned state capitol in Lecompton

20th century

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In 1998, the Lecompton Historical Society began restoring the remains of the native limestone Democratic Headquarters Building c. 1850s. Originally there was a log cabin connected to the west side of this building located on East Second Street. The historic building was moved to Riverview Park, a public park along the south limestone bluff of the Kansas River, overlooking the Kaw Valley basin to the north.

21st century

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Downtown Lecompton

As of 2015, downtown Lecompton had an antique shop, cafe/diner, art shop, and an automobile restoration garage. A convenience store/meat market was located on the edge of the city. The City of Lecompton bought the old Lecompton High School from the local school district and began remodeling it into a community building.

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.78 square miles (4.61 km2), of which, 1.77 square miles (4.58 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.[16]

The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers, and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lecompton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[17]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880284—
189045058.5%
1900408−9.3%
1910386−5.4%
1920310−19.7%
1930288−7.1%
1940250−13.2%
19502635.2%
196030415.6%
197043442.8%
198057632.7%
19906197.5%
2000608−1.8%
20106252.8%
2020588−5.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

Lecompton is part of the Lawrence, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census

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The 2020 United States census counted 588 people, 247 households, and 166 families in Lecompton.[18][19] The population density was 334.9 per square mile (129.3/km2). There were 265 housing units at an average density of 150.9 per square mile (58.3/km2).[19][20] The racial makeup was 86.39% (508) white or European American (85.88% non-Hispanic white), 1.19% (7) black or African-American, 2.38% (14) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.51% (3) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.04% (12) from other races, and 7.48% (44) from two or more races.[21] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.72% (16) of the population.[22]

Of the 247 households, 34.4% had children under the age of 18; 44.9% were married couples living together; 25.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 25.5% of households consisted of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[19] The average household size was 3.2 and the average family size was 3.5.[23] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 13.9% of the population.[24]

22.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males.[19] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 103.6 males.[19]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $61,458 (with a margin of error of +/- $26,139) and the median family income was $75,250 (+/- $38,228).[25] Males had a median income of $26,389 (+/- $19,491) versus $28,365 (+/- $5,820) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,981 (+/- $8,067).[26] Approximately, 15.2% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.1% of those under the age of 18 and 2.0% of those ages 65 or over.[27][28]

2010 census

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As of the census[29] of 2010, there were 625 people, 240 households, and 162 families residing in the city. The population density was 353.1 inhabitants per square mile (136.3/km2). There were 254 housing units at an average density of 143.5 per square mile (55.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 0.5% African American, 2.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 240 households, of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.5% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 36.7 years. 29% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census

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As of the census of 2000,[30] there were 608 people, 228 households, and 168 families residing in the city. The population density was 677.9 inhabitants per square mile (261.7/km2). There were 233 housing units at an average density of 259.8 per square mile (100.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.59% White, 0.16% African American, 2.96% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 2.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.30% of the population.

There were 228 households, out of which 41.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,281, and the median income for a family was $46,111. Males had a median income of $37,813 versus $20,577 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,433. About 4.4% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education

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The community is served by Perry–Lecompton USD 343 public school district. School unification consolidated Perry and Lecompton schools forming USD 343 in 1970. Perry-Lecompton High School is located in Perry. Lecompton Elementary School is located in Lecompton. The Perry-Lecompton High School mascot is Perry-Lecompton Kaws.[31]

Lecompton High School was closed through school unification in 1970. The Lecompton High School mascot was Lecompton Owls.[32]

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Lecompton, Kansas
  2. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Profile of Lecompton, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  4. ^ William Allen White School of Journalism and Public Information (1955). A pronunciation guide to Kansas place names. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas. p. 15. hdl:2027/mdp.39015047651115.
  5. ^ Heim, Michael (2007). Exploring Kansas Highways. Exploring America's Highway. p. 49. ISBN 9780974435886. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  6. ^ "About Lecompton". Historic Lecompton. Lecompton, Kansas. Archived from the original on April 28, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  7. ^ "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on March 10, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  8. ^ Fitzgerald, Daniel (1988). "Centropolis/Minneola". Ghost Towns of Kansas. University Press of Kansas. pp. 61–65. ISBN 0700603689.
  9. ^ "Campbell University/Lane University". Lecompton Kansas. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  10. ^ Blackmar, Frank (1912). "Campbell College". Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History. Chicago: Standard Pub. Co. p. 275. Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  11. ^ Batesel, Paul. "Campbell College Holton, Kansas 1880-1913". Lost Colleges. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 12, 2017.
  12. ^ "Lecompton High School History". Lecompton Kansas. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  13. ^ "Lane University". Lecompton Kansas. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  14. ^ "Lecompton Constitution". Lecompton Kansas. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  15. ^ "Lecompton building placed on historic register; Eudora wireless metering moving forward; Baldwin Education Foundation awards grants; final 2016 art walk set for Baldwin City | Area Roundup / LJWorld.com". www2.ljworld.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  16. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  17. ^ "Climate Summary for Lecompton, Kansas". Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  18. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  19. ^ a b c d e "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  20. ^ Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  21. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  22. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  23. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  24. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  25. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  26. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  27. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  28. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  29. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  30. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  31. ^ "Perry-Lecompton USD 343". USD 343. Archived from the original on November 28, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  32. ^ "Lansing Stampedes By Lecompton", The Leavenworth Times, January 6, 1965, p.8.
  33. ^ Hall, Mike (December 27, 2016). "Chuck Wright, Topeka mayor during the 1966 tornado, dies at age 97". The Topeka Capital-Journal. Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.

Further reading

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See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities
See also: List of books about Douglas County, Kansas
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