In the turbulent era known as Bleeding Kansas, every skirmish held significant weight, and the Battle of Franklin, Kansas, stands as a pivotal engagement that underscored the fierce conflict between pro-slavery and Free-State factions. Occurring shortly after the Battle of Black Jack, this confrontation in June 1856 near the town of Franklin highlighted the escalating tensions and strategic importance of controlling key locations in the Kansas Territory.
The town of Franklin, strategically located, had become a significant stronghold for pro-slavery forces, even after the infamous Sacking of Lawrence. Here, Buford’s men and other Missourians had amassed considerable resources, including a formidable brass 6-pounder cannon, a large cache of ammunition, and various camp supplies looted from Lawrence. Furthermore, plunder from intercepted wagons was frequently stored in Franklin, solidifying its reputation as a rallying point for those invading from Missouri and a constant threat to Free-State settlements, particularly Lawrence.
Franklin: A Pro-Slavery Bastion in Bleeding Kansas
The establishment of Franklin as a pro-slavery bastion was no accident. Its location provided a convenient base for incursions into Free-State territories and a secure place to store stolen goods and weaponry. This made it an intolerable threat to the Free-State movement, which saw the need to dismantle such strongholds to protect their nascent communities. The presence of significant military assets, especially the cannon and ammunition, meant that if Free-State forces were drawn away, Lawrence itself would be at the mercy of the pro-slavery militias.
The Free-State Counterattack: Planning and Missteps
In response to this persistent threat, Free-State men in the vicinity of Lawrence began to plan a counterattack on Franklin. Their objectives were clear: recapture stolen property, secure the vital ammunition, and effectively break up the enemy’s formidable stronghold. The stakes were high, as the success of this mission could significantly shift the balance of power in the region and provide a much-needed morale boost to the Free-State cause.
However, the initial plan for the assault on Franklin was unfortunately poorly conceived and lacked concerted action. On the night of June 4, approximately 16 men departed from Lawrence, intending to meet and coordinate with the Wakarusa Company for a two-pronged attack. The Lawrence party was to approach from one side, while the Wakarusa Company attacked from another, aiming to overwhelm the pro-slavery garrison.
The Night Assault: Confusion and Confrontation
Upon arrival in Franklin around 2 a.m., the men from Lawrence found no sign of the Wakarusa Company at their designated meeting point. Undeterred, they proceeded into the town, intending to locate and capture the enemy’s cannon and ammunition. The initial intelligence proved faulty, however; the cannon and supplies were not where they were expected to be. For nearly an hour, the Lawrence men fruitlessly searched the town, during which time the element of surprise was lost. The pro-slavery defenders, now fully awake and prepared, awaited the inevitable confrontation.
The Free-State men eventually converged on the guardhouse, where they demanded the garrison’s surrender. Having been forewarned, the pro-slavery occupants refused and immediately unleashed a volley of rifle shots. The Free-State forces returned fire, prompting the pro-slavery side to deploy their brass cannon, which had been strategically placed just inside the guardhouse door. Loaded with nails and broken scrap iron, the cannon fired its deadly contents into the darkness. While the aim was poor and miraculously no one was hurt by the cannon itself, the fierce exchange of gunfire continued, with pro-slavery men in other houses joining the fray against the attacking party, who primarily wished to assail only the guardhouse.
The Wakarusa Company’s Crucial Role
Amidst the chaos, the sounds of the ongoing gunfight served as a beacon for the Wakarusa Company, which had become disoriented and lost in the darkness. Guided by the distant firing, they finally found their way into Franklin. Unsure of distinguishing friend from foe in the dark, they refrained from directly engaging in the main combat. However, their presence proved invaluable. The Wakarusa men knew that Buford had stored a significant portion of his provisions and weaponry in a particular storehouse near their entry point into town.
Acting decisively, they broke into this storehouse and discovered a treasure trove of supplies. This included a large quantity of ammunition, several coveted Sharpe’s rifles, and even some of the guns that had previously been seized from Free-State men. The house was also filled with various provisions. Working quickly, they loaded a substantial amount of these vital supplies into a wagon and hurried them away. Had more wagons been available, the Wakarusa men could have secured even greater quantities of goods, further crippling the pro-slavery forces’ logistical capabilities.
Aftermath and Lasting Impact
As dawn approached, the intense firing in the streets gradually subsided. The Free-State men, wary of the potential arrival of United States troops encamped near Lawrence, made the strategic decision to withdraw from Franklin. Although they were forced to leave without the captured cannon – a primary objective – the expedition was far from a failure. Casualties were relatively low on the Free-State side, with only one man injured, while four pro-slavery defenders were severely wounded, one of whom succumbed to his injuries days later.
Despite the initial organizational challenges, the Battle of Franklin, Kansas, achieved several critical outcomes. It secured much-needed supplies and ammunition for the Free-State cause and, perhaps more importantly, delivered a clear message to the pro-slavery party: the Free-State men were capable and willing to strike back. This engagement, though often overshadowed by larger conflicts, served as a significant demonstration of Free-State resolve and contributed to the ongoing narrative of resistance during the tumultuous period of Bleeding Kansas. It reinforced the idea that no pro-slavery stronghold was impervious and that the fight for a free Kansas would be relentless.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Free-State Resistance
The Battle of Franklin, Kansas, stands as a testament to the fierce and often chaotic nature of the conflicts that defined the Kansas Territory in the mid-19th century. While not a large-scale battle, its strategic implications were profound. By striking at a central pro-slavery supply and rallying point, the Free-State forces not only recovered essential provisions but also asserted their presence and capability to retaliate. This engagement was a crucial piece in the mosaic of events that collectively formed Bleeding Kansas, ultimately contributing to the territory’s eventual entry into the Union as a Free State. It serves as a reminder of the desperate struggle and unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of civil war.
