Lecompton was founded in 1854 on a 640-acre Wyandotte Indian land claim on the south bank of the Kansas River. The town, which was originally named Bald Eagle because of the many eagles that nested along the river, was renamed later that year to honor Judge Samuel D. Lecompte, the chief justice of the Kansas territorial supreme court. In 1855, the territorial legislature chose Lecompton to be the only official and permanent capital of the Kansas Territory.
Learn more about Lecompton – the political birthplace of the American Civil War – by visiting our two museums, Constitution Hall, Lane University, plus other historic sites, restaurants and shops.
Constitution Hall
Built in 1856 by Sheriff Samuel J. Jones – who used native cottonwood and black walnut lumber cut from his steam sawmill on the Kaw River – Constitution Hall is the oldest wood-frame, civilian structure left standing in its original location in Kansas. Learn more…
Territorial Capital Museum (Lane University)
This museum sits on the grounds of the former 13-acre Lecompton capital square district. In 1855, construction of an elegant capital building began with a $50,000 appropriation from Congress. By 1857, however, all the money was spent, and antislavery legislators had gained control of the territorial legislature. Learn more…
Democratic Headquarters
This stone building was the headquarters of the Democratic Party during the Kansas Territorial period (1854-61). The cabin was used during a time when Lecompton, known as “The Birthplace of the Kansas Democratic Party,” was the territorial capital and stood at the center of national attention. Learn more…
Latest News
Bleeding Kansas Reenactment to be Performed in June and July
The Lecompton Reenactors is a skilled group of amateur historians with a theatrical bent who bring to life the dramatic political strife and guerilla warfare which existed in the Kansas Territory. When the territory was established, the federal government implemented...
2026 Bleeding Kansas Program Series
The Bleeding Kansas Program series presents weekly talks and dramatic interpretations related to the issue of slavery in Kansas and the nation from 1854 – 1865. The series runs every Sunday from January 25th through March 1st at 2 pm. The series is presented in Constitution Hall, 319 Elmore St., Lecompton, Kansas 66050. For more information call 785-887-6520
Christmas Through the Ages
Our annual Christmas tree display for 2025 will run from Nov. 1 - Jan. 4. Over 240 Christmas trees are included in our tree festival this year. Each tree is different with ornaments that span the late 1800's through more modern times. Some of our more unique trees...
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