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Lawrence, Kansas

Located in Douglas County, Kansas, Lawrence was established in 1854. Quantrill's Raid of 1863 killed over 150 men and boys — one of the worst atrocities of the Civil War era. The term 'Jayhawk' comes from the Bleeding Kansas era, combining the jay (noisy bird) with the hawk (predator).

Founded 1854 | Population 100,000 | Peak 100,000 (2024) | County Douglas County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Lawrence, Kansas

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1854Free-State Town: Founded by abolitionists during Bleeding Kansas.

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1863Quantrill's Raid: Confederate guerrillas massacre 150+ men and boys.

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1866KU Founded: University of Kansas established.

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1942Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Lawrence's identity and economy.

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2008KU Basketball Title: Jayhawks win NCAA championship.

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Latest News in Lawrence

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Complete Historical Timeline

1854 Politics

Free-State Town

1863 Disaster

Quantrill's Raid

1866 Culture

KU Founded

1942 Government

Military Presence

2008 Sports

KU Basketball Title

Did You Know?

Quantrill's Raid of 1863 killed over 150 men and boys — one of the worst atrocities of the Civil War era.

The term 'Jayhawk' comes from the Bleeding Kansas era, combining the jay (noisy bird) with the hawk (predator).

Lawrence was a center of the abolitionist movement before the Civil War.

Lawrence is located in Douglas County, Kansas.

Lawrence was founded in 1854.

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