The Battle of Hickory Point, a pivotal skirmish in the tumultuous era of Bleeding Kansas, represents a microcosm of the intense struggle between Free-State and pro-slavery factions for control of the territory. Occurring in September 1856, this confrontation at the small settlement of Hickory Point in Jefferson County, Kansas, underscored the deep-seated animosity and lawlessness that characterized Territorial Kansas during its fight for statehood. This article delves into the origins, events, and aftermath of this significant encounter, highlighting its role in the broader conflict.
The settlement of Hickory Point, established in March 1855 on the north side of a vital military and freight road, quickly became a flashpoint for the escalating tensions between Free-State and pro-slavery residents. From its very inception, the community was fraught with political discord, with each faction viewing the other with suspicion and outright hostility. Early elections were marred by partisan control of the polls, leading to a breakdown of law and order. By the summer of 1856, the Free-State settlers had gained numerical strength and were determined to assert their dominance, often resorting to aggressive tactics to drive out their pro-slavery opponents.
Early Tensions and Skirmishes at Hickory Point
Hickory Point itself was a modest settlement, comprising just three log buildings: a store, a hotel, and a blacksmith shop. Despite its small size, it was a hotbed of unrest. Both sides were heavily armed, and sporadic skirmishes were a common occurrence. A notable incident on June 8, 1856, saw two prominent pro-slavery men, Jones and Fielding, forcibly expelled from the area by Free-State partisans. This act further inflamed an already volatile situation, laying the groundwork for a larger, more organized confrontation.
The broader context of Bleeding Kansas saw both sides engage in raids, destruction of property, and violence. Pro-slavery forces, often referred to as border ruffians, frequently crossed from Missouri to influence elections and intimidate Free-State settlers. Conversely, Free-State militias, such as those led by General James H. Lane, retaliated with their own campaigns, creating a cycle of violence that threatened to engulf the entire territory in civil war.
Governor Geary’s Proclamation and General Lane’s Advance
Upon his arrival in the territory, Governor John Geary issued a stern proclamation ordering all armed bodies to disperse, an effort to restore some semblance of governmental authority and quell the widespread civil unrest. Unbeknownst to Governor Geary, General James H. Lane, a prominent Free-State leader, was then near Topeka. Lane and his command were en route to Holton when they received an urgent dispatch from Osawkie. The message reported that pro-slavery border ruffians had burned Grasshopper Falls and intended to continue their destructive path through other Free-State towns, aiming to depopulate the region of its Free-State inhabitants. Responding to the desperate plea for assistance, Lane diverted his forces to Osawkie, where his command was bolstered by local Free-State volunteers. After successfully restoring order in Osawkie, Lane learned of a significant pro-slavery force entrenched at Hickory Point. Determined to neutralize this threat, he immediately ordered his men to march towards the settlement.
General Lane’s aggressive strategy reflected the Free-State movement’s resolve to defend their communities and push back against pro-slavery incursions. His forces were often composed of dedicated settlers, abolitionists, and adventurers, all united by the cause of making Kansas a Free-State. The march to Hickory Point was not just a military maneuver; it was a defiant statement against the perceived tyranny of the pro-slavery faction.
The Confrontation and Siege of Hickory Point
On September 13, 1856, General Lane’s forces arrived at Hickory Point to find approximately 100 pro-slavery men, led by Captain H.A. Lowe, the owner of the settlement, and reinforced by about 50 Carolinians known for their prior depredations in the region. The pro-slavery men had fortified themselves effectively within the log buildings, making a direct assault difficult. Lane’s initial attempts to dislodge them proved unsuccessful due to their strong defensive positions. Realizing the need for heavier firepower and additional manpower, Lane dispatched a messenger to Lawrence, requesting Captain Bickerton to bring reinforcements and the renowned “Sacramento” cannon.
News of the siege reached Lawrence on that same Saturday, September 13. Colonel Harvey swiftly assembled a company of recruits and, without delay, set out for Hickory Point. They marched through the night, pausing only briefly for breakfast at Newell’s mills, and arrived at the battle site around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Meanwhile, General Lane, having finally received Governor Geary’s proclamation, had decided to comply and departed for Topeka, expecting to intercept the Lawrence reinforcements en route. However, Colonel Harvey had taken a more direct path, inadvertently missing Lane’s departing command.
The Battle Unfolds
Upon Colonel Harvey’s arrival, the pro-slavery defenders attempted to retreat but were quickly encircled. They were forced to take refuge once more in the log houses, now facing a reinforced and determined Free-State militia. Without formal communication, the battle resumed. The formidable “Sacramento” cannon was positioned approximately 200 yards south of the blacksmith shop and began firing upon the entrenched pro-slavery men. Twenty men armed with United States muskets supported the cannon, while the Stubbs company was strategically stationed about 200 yards to the southeast in a timbered ravine to provide flanking support. The very first cannon shot proved devastating, tearing through the blacksmith shop and claiming the life of Charles G. Newhall, a pro-slavery defender.
Despite the initial success of the artillery, dislodging the fortified pro-slavery men proved challenging. Colonel Harvey, demonstrating tactical ingenuity, ordered a wagon loaded with hay to be pushed up against the blacksmith shop and set ablaze. Under the cover of the thick, billowing smoke, some of the defenders managed to escape the burning building, though others remained trapped. Soon after, a white flag emerged from the shop, signaling a request for non-combatants to be allowed to leave the embattled structures. Messages were exchanged, leading to a crucial compromise: both parties agreed to relinquish any seized plunder, and all non-residents from each faction were to leave the area. The Battle of Hickory Point concluded with one pro-slavery man killed and four wounded. On the Free-State side, three men sustained injuries: one shot in the legs, another shot through the lungs, and a third suffered a bruised head. This agreement effectively brought an end to the immediate hostilities at Hickory Point.
Aftermath and Lasting Significance
The Battle of Hickory Point, though a relatively small engagement in terms of numbers, was a significant event in the larger narrative of Bleeding Kansas. It demonstrated the ferocity and determination of both sides in the conflict over slavery in the territories. The tactical innovation of using fire to dislodge entrenched enemies, and the eventual negotiated settlement, highlight the desperate measures and complex dynamics at play during this period. The casualties, though few, underscored the deadly reality of the struggle.
The events at Hickory Point were part of a broader pattern of violence that ultimately contributed to the national debate over slavery, pushing the United States closer to civil war. The battle, like many others during Territorial Kansas, illustrated the failure of political compromise and the readiness of citizens to take up arms for their convictions. Today, a historical marker on US 59, north of Oskaloosa in Jefferson County, Kansas, designates the battle site, ensuring that the memory of this intense period in American history endures.
Conclusion
The Battle of Hickory Point stands as a powerful testament to the turbulent and often violent formative years of Kansas. It encapsulated the bitter struggle between those who championed freedom and those who sought to extend slavery into new territories. While the immediate outcome was a negotiated peace, the underlying tensions and ideological divides continued to simmer, contributing to the broader national crisis. The skirmish at Hickory Point, with its dramatic siege and innovative tactics, remains an important chapter in the story of Bleeding Kansas and a vivid reminder of the sacrifices made in the quest for a Free-State.
