Planters Hotel

Planters Hotel. National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. , In 1859, Charles Fisher (aka Peter and Charley Fisher), an African American barber, was kidnapped from his place of employment at the Planters Hotel. Fisher's choice to work at the Planters Hotel was an interesting one as it was "a recognized resort for those of strong Pro-slavery sentiments." Whatever the reason, his choice ultimately proved detrimental to his freedom, as he became the victim of a kidnapping while employed there. According to most reports, Fisher was kidnapped under suspicion of being a fugitive slave. After being arrested at gunpoint and handcuffed, he was taken to Weston, Mo, where he subsequently escaped and returned to Leavenworth. The two kidnappers were later charged with kidnapping and brought to trial and Fisher was subpoenaed as a material witness despite prohibitions against blacks testifying against whites in court. Meanwhile, a man came forward claiming to be Fisher's owner and Fisher was detained in the custody of the Marshal at Planters Hotel. Fisher was able to escape with the help of free-state men, but was ultimately recaptured and sold into slavery. Fisher, however once again found his way to freedom and returned to Leavenworth in 1863, purchasing a barber shop on Shawnee Street., 1856 , The Planters Hotel, a four-story brick building, is completed and opens to the public., 1858 , Fisher moves to Leavenworth, KS and becomes employed at the Planters Hotel as a barber., 1859 , Fisher is kidnapped from the Planters Hotel and taken to Weston, Mo., 1859 , Fisher escapes and returns to Leavenworth. He is detained in the custody of the City Marshal at Planters Hotel., 1859 , Free-state men help Fisher, disguised in women's attire, escape to Lawrence. Fisher arrives at the home of Underground Railroad conductor and Unitarian minister, Ephraim Nute., 1859 , Fisher leaves Lawrence, supposedly headed for Canada. He is recaptured, beaten and sold into slavery., 1859 , Nine men are indicted for their involvement in the rescue of Charles Fisher., 1860 , The case United States v. Louis L. Weld, regarding Weld's involvement in the rescue of Fisher is heard on an indictment to quash the motion. The indictment is brought before the court by Weld's lawyer, Thomas Ewing, Jr., 1860 , The case against Louis L. Weld for his role in the rescue of Fisher is dismissed., 1863 , Fisher returns to Leavenworth and purchases a barber shop.