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I have looked, also, upon the Constitution Hall, in Topeka, where the army of the United States, for the first time in our nation, dispersed a lawful and peaceable assembly of citizens, convened to protect their lives, their property, and their sacred honor.
U.S. Senator William H. Seward, October 3, 1860
Secretary of State under President Abraham Lincoln
A Story of Our Democracy
Constitution Hall in Topeka is a place like no other in the history of our great nation. Within its native stone walls unfolded events central to the story of American democracy. In 1855, Free State leaders sought to prevent the westward expansion of slavery by drafting the first of four Kansas Constitutions. On July 4, 1856, the U.S. Army forcibly dispersed the freely elected Topeka Legislature. And antislavery pioneers operated the western frontier’s Underground Railroad by way of the Lane Trail, assisting hundreds of people escaping slavery to freedom in the North.
Check back for more as this new website develops.
Exploring Freedom
Constitution Hall enriches us in the unique ways that historic sites do. Visitors stand where Kansas was upheld as a future free state—able to feel the weight of pre-Civil War struggle for freedom that transformed the nation. As well, Constitution Hall will resume its western frontier role as a place for gatherings where area citizens may explore the rise of Kansas as a free state. The restored Constitution Hall deepens our appreciation for today’s journeys of American democracy.
The restored historic building and adjacent visitors center help tell an important story in Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area about the abolition of slavery. Please visit!
Help support this important historic site by providing a tax-deductible donation.
We partner with the Topeka Community Foundation to manage our donations. You will be directed to their site for secure online payment.
A principal landmark of the American West.
The Independence Hall on the Prairie.
Contact:
HOURS
Friday: 12PM-4PM
First Friday Artwalks: 5PM-8PM
Saturdays After First Friday Artwalks: 10AM-2PM
HISTORIC SITE ADDRESS
425-427-429 S Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas
Friends of the Free State Capitol
P.O. Box 2551
Topeka, Kansas 66601
info@constitutionhalltopeka.org
785-969-4331
Friends of the Free State Capitol is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Constitution Hall Topeka