Near Trading Post in Linn County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Marais des Cygnes Massacre
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, October 1992
1. Kansas Historical Marker - Marais des Cygnes Massacre
Nothing in the struggle over slavery in Kansas did more to inflame the nation than the mass killing which took place May 19, 1858, about four miles northeast of this marker. Charles Hamelton who had been driven from the territory by Free-State men, retaliated by invading the county with about thirty Missourians. Capturing 11 Free-State men, he marched them to a ravine and lined them up before a firing squad. Five were killed, five were wounded, and one escaped by feigning death. The site and adjoining land, occupied for a time by John Brown, are preserved in a state memorial park. A monument bearing lines from Whittier’s tribute to the victims stands in Trading Post cemetery south of here.
The town received its name from an Indian trading post established about 1834. A monument just east of the river marks the site. Here also, in January, 1859, John Brown dated his famous “Parallels.”
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 46.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR
this page online
Location. 38° 15.107′ N, 94° 40.808′ W. Marker is near Trading Post, Kansas, in Linn County. Marker is on U.S. 69 near Kansas Highway 52. Marker is in a roadside turnout .5 miles north of Trading Post, Kansas. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pleasanton KS 66075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Sounds along the byway...auto, trucks and buses. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds along the byway...fur traders bringing their goods. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds along the byway...saws, picks and axes. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds along the roadway...soldiers on the move. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds along the byway...anxiety and anticipation in the creak of wagon wheels. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds from the past...hoof beats and heartbeats. (approx. 0.7 miles away); Sounds of the byway...moccasins and tears. (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trading Post.
More about this marker. The turnoff to the Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site is on Kansas Highway 52 about three miles east of this marker. Turn left on Young Road then right on 1700 Road.
Regarding Marais des Cygnes Massacre.
Photographed By Thomas Onions, May 13, 2011
2. Marais des Cygnes Massacre Marker
This is the new location of this Kansas Marker - in front of the Trading Post Cemetery.
Also see . . . Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site. Kansas State Historical Society website entry (Submitted on December 23, 2007, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. Marais Des Cygnes Massacre Marker
The turnout along with the marker has been removed due to the widening of US-69. Due to the construction, I was unable to get a picture at this time. There is a rest ares being constructed nearby, which hopefully, will hold this and the Mine Creek markers. Both markers are laying behind the visitor's center at the Mine Creek Battlefield.
— Submitted June 22, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.
2. Marker Relocated
This marker is now at N 38 15.107 W 94 40.808, in
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
3. Marais des Cygnes Massacre Marker
This photo is of the Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial in the Trading Post, KS cemetery, located approximately 1/4 mile southwest of the marker.
— Submitted May 29, 2011, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.
Photographed By Thomas Onions, June 21, 2009
4. Marais des Cygnes Massacre Marker
Photo is of the overlook and the site of the Massacre at the State Historic Site. The marker has been removed.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2007, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 5,030 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 23, 2007, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 29, 2011, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. 3. submitted on June 17, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. 4. submitted on June 22, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
