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Mexican-American War

Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856

1856
Kansas
Era
Mexican-American War
Year
1856
Location
Kansas
Status
Historical record
The Battle

History & Significance

Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856 was a Mexican-American War engagement fought in Kansas, 1856. It was a Pro-slavery forces victory.

One of numerous pro-slavery raids on free-state settlements during the summer of 1856, Palmyra in Marion County was attacked by Missouri Border Ruffians seeking to drive free-state settlers from the area. These smaller raids - less famous than the Sack of Lawrence or Battle of Osawatomie - collectively drove hundreds of free-state settlers from Kansas and contributed to the terror campaign that the pro-slavery faction relied on to control the territory.

Result
Pro-slavery forces victory
Forces engaged
Pro-slavery Missouri raiders vs. free-state settlers near Palmyra, Marion County
Casualties
Several settlers killed or displaced
Outcome
Free-state settlement attacked; settlers fled; property destroyed

Approximate location. The nearest recorded settlement is shown; the exact site is unrecorded.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856 take place?
Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856 took place in 1856.
Where was Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856 fought?
Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856 was fought in Kansas, United States.
What was the significance of Battle of Palmyra (Kansas) 1856?
One of numerous pro-slavery raids on free-state settlements during the summer of 1856, Palmyra in Marion County was attacked by Missouri Border Ruffians seeking to drive free-state settlers from the area. These smaller raids - less famous than the Sack of Lawrence or Battle of Osawatomie - collectiv
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Overview
An interactive map of the location with historic sites, battles and Native heritage plotted, and its full story era by era.
The Land
The historic sites and place names around the location, and how this land was settled and used.
Geology
The bedrock beneath the site, its age and rock type, reaching back millions of years.
LiDAR Terrain
Laser-scanned terrain that reveals earthworks and old features hidden in the landscape.
Conflict & War
The battles, raids and skirmishes fought near here, across every era of American conflict.
The Civil War
The Civil War on this ground, 1861 to 1865: who held it, and the battles, camps and regiments nearby.
The Soldiers
The men who marched from here in the Civil War, named and traced where the record allows.
Native Heritage
The Native nations who held this land, mapped across time from before European contact to today.
Settlement
Who claimed and held this ground, from Indigenous homelands through the colonial powers to the United States.
The Community
How the town grew, who came, and what kind of place it became, traced through the census record.
Rivers & Rail
The rivers, canals and railroads that connected this place between 1830 and 1911.
Notable People
The people born, buried or genuinely tied to this exact place, with their stories.
Historical Maps
Historic maps of the location layered over how it looks today.
Finds & Access
Museum objects tied to the area, and the laws on searching, collecting and access here.
Literature
The old books, county histories and archives that mention this place, quoted with their sources.
Spotlight
A deep dive into the most remarkable, lesser-known history of the place, traced back to the record.
Points of Interest
The most significant historic sites and landmarks near the location, and why they matter.
Timeline
The whole story of the location told era by era, from first peoples to the present day.
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Source

This page is compiled from cited public sources.

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