Towns

The residents of Lawrence, Kansas, would never forget what happened on August 21, 1863, if indeed they were lucky enough to survive. The reason for the bloody raid that left nearly two hundred men dead and caused between $1 million and $1.5 million in damage (in 1863 dollars) is still the subject of speculation.

There used to be a sign on a quiet corner of a quiet street in the quiet town of Peculiar that perhaps best illustrates the city’s unique sense of humor. “In 1861–1864, while bloody battles raged throughout the southern states, nothing happened here,” the metal plaque read.