Exploring the History of James Lane Brigade Field Trip
by Nathan McAlister
March 10, 2010
On Sunday March 7, 2010 fifteen 7th grade students from Royal Valley Middle School had the opportunity to learn history and be recognized for their achievements. The volunteer group took a quick tour of the historic sites of Lecompton including the old Lane University building, the 1st Democratic Headquarters, and the final stop at Constitution Hall site of the Bleeding Kansas Lecture Series sponsored by the Kansas State Historical Society. The topic of this particular lecture focused on separating the myths from the reality of James Lane and his Brigade. However, before the lecture the students were recognized for their accomplishments concerning their efforts to rename a portion of Highway 75 the “James Lane Freedom Trail.” In addition, the audience was given an update of HB 2650’s status in the Legislature and Dr. Bill Wagnon, retired university history professor, extolled the hard work of the students. Next came the lecture by Bryce Benedict author and historian. He discussed the history of the brigade and put to rest a number of myths surrounding James Lane’s involvement with the infamous jayhawking brigade. The most notorious myth put to rest is the murderous sacking of Osceola, Missouri. According to the current memorial in Osceola, James Lane personally murdered several men and then burned the town, see inscription from Osceola memorial below:
…On September 21 & 22, the jayhawkers invaded, occupied, sacked, and torched Osceola. Twelve male citizens sought to protect one of the banks from being looted and ultimately burned. General Lane arrested these citizens for “Treason”, and by way of a “Drumhead Court-Martial”, appointed himself prosecutor and judge, condemning the twelve to death.
He mustered a makeshift firing squad, in which he himself took part, murdering all but three of the twelve men, thinking all were dead…
Mr. Benedict’s research shows no evidence that James Lane was even in the town at the time of the sacking. It appears, according to archival evidence, that two subordinate colonels were to blame for the sacking of the town. James Lane however does share in the blame due to his status as commander of the brigade, but he was not in the town and was made aware of the sacking only after it happened.
