Trading Post in Linn County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
1. Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial Marker
John F. Campbell
William Colpetzer
Michael Robertson
Patrick Ross
William Hairgrove
Asa Hairgrove
Charles Snider
William A Stilwell
Amos Hall
Austin Hall
(Side 2):
appear on this monument were taken from their
daily avocations by a band of armed border
ruffians and marched to a deep ravine four miles
east of this place and there shot and left for dead.
Their only offense was was they were Free State men.
(Side 3):
(Side 4):
The fields of their corn,
Unwarned and unweaponed,
The victims were torn,--
By the whirlwind of murder
Swooped up and swept on
To the low, reedy fen-lands,
The Marsh of the Swan.
On the lintels of Kansas
That blood shall not dry;
Henceforth the Bad Angel
Shall harmless go by;
Henceforth to the sunset,
Unchecked on her way,
Shall Liberty follow
The march of the day.
Erected 1888 by Marais Des Cygne Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic
this page online
Location. 38° 15.121′ N, 94° 40.812′ W. Marker is in Trading Post, Kansas, in Linn County. Marker is on U.S. 69, 0.1 miles south of Trading Post Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lacygne KS 66040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marais des Cygnes Massacre (within shouting distance of this marker); Sounds along the byway...auto, trucks and buses. (approx. 0.6 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 memorial. The marker is a 30 foot obelisk,
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
2. Marker - side 2
Regarding Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial. Ad Astra per Aspera - To the Stars through Difficulties is the State Motto for Kansas.
The excerpt of the poem quoted is from the John Greenleaf Whittier Poem: "Le Marais du Cygne".
This area and the hills seen in the background were part of the skirmish "Battle of the Mounds" part of Price's retreat from the Battle of Westport to his defeat at Mine Creek in 1864.
Also see . . .
1. Remembering the Marais des Cygne Massacre. This is an excellent source for the background of the victims, the history of the Massacre, and the creation of the monument. (Submitted on June 20, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. Le Marais Des Cygnes. A link to the full text of John Greenleaf Whittier's Poem on the Massacre. (Submitted on June 20, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
Additional keywords. Bleeding Kansas
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
3. Marker - side 3
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
4. Marker - side 4
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
5. Marker
Photographed By Thomas Onions, February 29, 2008
6. Marais Du Cygne Martyrs Memorial Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 1,623 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 20, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
