LECOMPTON, Kan. (AP) -- A northeast Kansas town is celebrating its place in state history this weekend with the annual Lecompton Territorial Days, including a display of maps dating to the mid-1800s.
Events begin Friday evening in Lecompton, located on the Kansas River between Topeka and Lawrence.
The town was the site of the territorial capital before statehood and focus of debate whether Kansas would be a free or slave state when admitted to the Union. In 1858, a brawl broke out in the U.S. House over the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution, which was narrowly rejected.
A collection of 30 maps of the territory and United States have been digitized. Several of the maps belonged to the Lecompton Historical Society.
Other events include a Saturday parade, demonstrations of pioneer life, games, music and food.
Posted by Greg Palmer