Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence
Early in the morning of August 21, 1863, William C. Quantrill led about 400 pro-slavery guerillas to Lawrence where they attacked the townspeople, looted homes and businesses, and burned all but four commercial buildings. They targeted the town because of its Abolitionist roots and suspected Underground Railroad activity. Approximately 180 men and boys died.
One of the first victims murdered was Reverend Samuel Snyder, a United Brethren pastor and chaplain to Black Union troops. He was shot as he milked his cow in a shed along what is now East 19th Street. The nearby Miller House, a known stop on the Underground Railroad, remains standing today. Other noted Abolitionists, as well as African Americans, were especially targeted. Most of the victims, however, were unarmed citizens.
At the historic Eldridge House Hotel the Raiders let the staff and residents escape after stealing their belongings. Then they burned the four-story structure to the ground. It was rebuilt and is still in business today.
Later in the day the guerillas rode out through Douglas County, attacking and burning the farmsteads.
