Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas
The narrative of Bleeding Kansas, a turbulent precursor to the American Civil War, is punctuated by numerous skirmishes and confrontations. Among these, the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas, stands out as a significant event, reflecting the deep-seated animosity between Free-State and pro-slavery factions vying for control of the territory. This article delves into the historical context, key players, and unfolding events of the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas, offering a comprehensive look at this pivotal moment in Kansas history.
The story of the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas begins with the establishment of the Hickory Point settlement in March 1855. Situated in Jefferson County, Kansas, along the north side of the military and freight road, the settlement quickly became a microcosm of the larger territorial conflict. Charles Hardt, one of the first settlers, was appointed postmaster, marking the initial attempts to establish a semblance of order in a region increasingly defined by political strife. From its inception, Hickory Point was a battleground of ideologies, with Free-State and pro-slavery residents locked in a bitter struggle for dominance.
The seeds of discord were sown early. The first election in Hickory Point was marred by irregularities, with pro-slavery men seizing control of the polls. This blatant disregard for fair democratic processes fueled resentment and deepened the divide between the opposing factions. Law and order were virtually nonexistent, and each side viewed the other with suspicion and hostility. The Free-State settlers, increasingly frustrated by the perceived injustices, grew determined to assert their dominance and expel the pro-slavery element from the area.
By the summer of 1856, the Free-State faction had gained considerable strength. The settlement itself was modest, consisting of only a few log buildings: a store, a hotel, and a blacksmith shop. However, the inhabitants were heavily armed, and skirmishes between the opposing sides were commonplace. The tension escalated on June 8, 1856, when two pro-slavery men, Jones and Fielding, were forcibly driven out of Hickory Point, further inflaming passions and setting the stage for a larger confrontation.
The arrival of Governor John Geary in the Kansas Territory marked an attempt to restore order. He issued a proclamation ordering all armed bodies to disperse, hoping to quell the escalating violence. However, communication was slow, and the message did not immediately reach all corners of the territory. General James H. Lane, a prominent Free-State leader, was near Topeka when he received news from Osawkie that border ruffians (pro-slavery Missourians) had burned Grasshopper Falls and intended to target other Free-State towns in the vicinity. The plea for assistance from Osawkie reached Lane, and he and his men promptly marched to the town to provide support. After restoring order in Osawkie, Lane learned of a significant armed force of pro-slavery men assembled at Hickory Point. Determined to confront and capture them, he set his sights on the settlement.
On September 13, 1856, General Lane arrived at Hickory Point and found approximately 100 men assembled under the command of Captain H. A. Lowe, the owner of Hickory Point. Lowe was supported by around 50 Carolinians, notorious for their violent activities throughout the region. An initial attack by Lane’s forces failed to dislodge the pro-slavery men, who were well-fortified in the settlement’s log buildings. Recognizing the need for additional firepower, Lane sent word to Lawrence for reinforcements and, crucially, for the famed cannon known as "Sacramento."
The news of the impending battle reached Lawrence on Saturday, September 13th. Colonel Harvey quickly assembled a company of recruits and set out for Hickory Point, marching through the night. After a brief stop at Newell’s mills for breakfast, they arrived at Hickory Point around 10 a.m. on Sunday. In the meantime, Lane had become aware of Governor Geary’s proclamation and had departed for Topeka, anticipating a meeting with the forces from Lawrence. However, Colonel Harvey, taking a more direct route, missed Lane.
Upon the arrival of Harvey and his forces, the pro-slavery men attempted to retreat but were quickly surrounded and forced to seek refuge in the log houses. With no communication or attempts at negotiation, the battle commenced. The "Sacramento" cannon was strategically positioned about 200 yards south of the blacksmith shop and began firing on the fortified buildings. The cannon was supported by approximately 20 men armed with United States muskets. The Stubbs company was stationed about 200 yards to the southeast in a timbered ravine, providing additional support. The first cannon shot proved devastating, passing directly through the blacksmith shop and killing Charles G. Newhall.
Finding it impossible to dislodge the pro-slavery men through cannon fire alone, Colonel Harvey ordered a wagonload of hay to be backed up to the blacksmith shop and set ablaze. The ensuing fire and smoke provided cover for some of the Free-State men, who attempted to advance on the buildings. Soon after, a white flag emerged from the shop, signaling a desire for negotiation. Messages were exchanged between the two sides, and a compromise was eventually reached. The agreement stipulated that each party would surrender its plunder, and all non-residents from both sides would leave the territory.
The Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas resulted in casualties on both sides. One pro-slavery man was killed, and four were wounded. Among the Free-State men, three were injured: one was shot in the legs, another was shot through the lungs, and the third sustained a bruised head. While the casualties were relatively light, the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas was a symbolic victory for the Free-State cause, demonstrating their resolve to resist pro-slavery influence in the territory.
The site of the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas is now marked by a historical marker on US 59, north of Oskaloosa, in Jefferson County, Kansas. The marker serves as a reminder of the tumultuous events that shaped the state’s early history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for their beliefs. The Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas is a testament to the fierce determination of both sides in the Bleeding Kansas era.
In conclusion, the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas stands as a poignant symbol of the violent struggle for control of Kansas Territory. The clash between Free-State and pro-slavery factions at Hickory Point highlights the deep divisions that plagued the region and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. The historical marker at the site serves as a lasting reminder of this pivotal moment in Kansas history, ensuring that the story of the Battle of Hickory Point, Kansas continues to be told and remembered.