Franklin (Douglas County), Kansas
| Franklin, Kansas | |
|---|---|
| ghost town | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Douglas |
| Elevation | 835 ft (255 m) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 66047 |
| Area code(s) | 785 |
| Established 1854; Abandoned 1867 | |
Coordinates: 38°56′02″N 95°10′34″W / 38.9338°N 95.1761°W
Franklin was a small town established in 1854 in Douglas County, Kansas Territory. It was established by settlers, most—if not all—of whom were from the nation's south. These settlers championed the pro-slavery cause and desired to see Kansas admitted into the Union as a slave state. By late 1855 Franklin had about a dozen homes and businesses and a post office. It soon became a center devoted to the southern cause in Kansas.
Sheriff Samuel Jones headquartered himself and his cause in Franklin by spring 1856. While Jones was partially disabled by a sniper at that time, Franklin grew as a center for the southern cause in Kansas. By May 1856 three forts were built in Douglas County and a blockhouse, Franklin's Fort, was built inside Franklin. The blockhouse was used to store arms and a cannon seized during an attack on Lawrence May 21. The blockhouse was built to be defended in the event of attack by free-state forces.
Two attacks were made on Franklin's fort in 1856 during the summer. Free Staters during that time desired to rid the area of southern-oriented fortifications. The first attack was made on June 4 by about fifteen members of the Lawrence Stubbs, a free-state militia based in Lawrence. The free staters entered town after dark to search for "Old Sacramento," a cannon taken during a southern raid on Lawrence. Some defenders at the fort were aroused and what was termed the First Battle of Franklin erupted. During this battle the cannon was fired once and persons began firing at the free staters from houses in town, forcing their retreat. One Franklin man was fatally shot and a small number of persons were wounded. Some Franklin men may have been captured by the Lawrence men.
After this attack, Franklin's defenses were strengthened. The fort itself was made more defensible. On August 12 the Second Battle of Franklin took place. This time possibly two companies, at least 75 men, left Lawrence after dark to attack the town and fort. They were led by free-state leader James H. Lane. Apparently only about 20 men were defending Franklin. For several hours the opposing forces fired upon each other in the dark. Not much damage was done to either side at this point, but several free staters were wounded, as was one fort defender. One free stater was killed.
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Wikipedia