Willing to Die for Freedom - Voting Game
A Look Back at Kansas Territory, 1854-1861
People came to Kansas Territory to vote on a constitution.
But not everyone could vote legally.
Federal law denied voting rights to some because of their race or gender. Others voted illegally because they didn't actually live here but crossed the border to vote anyway.
Find a character who could vote legally in Kansas:
Willing to Die for Freedom is an online exhibit developed by the Kansas Museum of History to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Kansas Territory.
- Flashpoint - Kansas was the flashpoint for the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
- Politics - Many Americans believed Kansas would determine the future of slavery.
- Violence - The territory quickly became known as Bleeding Kansas.
- Opportunity - People came here to buy cheap land and influence national politics.
- Survival - Making a home in Kansas often was difficult.
- Freedom - The name "Kansas" meant freedom to many African Americans.
- Legacy - The territorial era set the stage for both good and bad in Kansas history.
- Timeline - Outline of important events in Kansas history, with links to learn more.
- Constitutions - Kansas had four constitutions, more than any other territory.
- Voting game - Test your knowledge about who could vote legally in Kansas Territory.
Contact us at KSHS.KansasMuseum@ks.gov