Osawatomie
Osawatomie, Kansas
August 30, 1856
John Brown and his men were attacked at this site on August 30, 1856,
by Missourian General John Reid and 250 men. Reid’s intent was to destroy
Brown and wipe out the abolitionist stronghold. Frederick Brown, John’s son,
was the first victim, being shot in cold blood. Brown’s 30 antislavery men,
positioned on the west bank of the Marais des Cygnes river, withstood the
first charge. When the Missourians opened with artillery and a flanking maneuver,
Brown and his men fled across the river. The raiders then sacked and
burned the town. Each side suffered an estimated six casualties.
Most of the land encompassing this battle is included in the Kansas State Historical Society,
John Brown State Historical Site.
This battle is not often considered as part of the Civil War, yet armed, organized groups of men
attempted to kill each other over the cause of slavery.
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Battlefield Series
Osawatomie 01
This view is the main field of battle, looking east toward the Marais des Cygnes.
The statue is located on the spot traditionally thought to be where the
proslavery men fired their first rounds.
"Captain John Brown 1800-1859.
He Dared Begin.
He Lost.
But Losing Won".
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Osawatomie 02
This view is the main field of battle, looking east toward the Marais des Cygnes.
Brown and his remaining men fled across this river.
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Osawatomie 03
This view is the Marais des Cygnes from the site of the battle (looking upriver).
Brown and his remaining men fled across this river.
photo taken May 4, 2002
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Battlefield Series
Osawatomie 04
This monument, located several hundred yards WSW of the battlefield,
was erected in 1877 to honor the fallen anti-slavery men.
"In Commemoration of those
Who on the 30th of August 1856
gave up their lives at the battle
of Osawatomie in defense of freedom"
photo taken May 4, 2002
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