Tour the battlefield where John Brown,
fierce opponent of slavery, led his militia
against a proslavery force on June 2, 1856.

This armed clash, The Battle of Black Jack,
is considered by many to have been
the first battle of the American Civil War.

Learn about the battle and its significance
in the struggle over slavery that was
"Bleeding Kansas".

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The 40-acre Black Jack park includes
ecosystems typical of eastern Kansas prairie.
Shrubs and trees, including Black Jack oaks,
grow close to the streams, while prairie grasses
thrive on the uplands.

Tracks worn into the northeast corner of the
property mark the path of wagons from the
Santa Fe Trail to watering spots
on Captain's Creek.

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On a rise overlooking the
battlefield is a farmhouse
built by Robert Hall Pearson
in the 1880s.

Pearson fought beside Brown
at Black Jack and later returned
to carve out a prosperous farm
from the prairie.

Plans call for restored prairie habitats crossed by nature trails with interpretive signage.
The Pearson farmhouse will be restored to its 1880s appearance.

A visitors' center with indoor exhibits and outdoor signage will interpret the stories of the
Battle of Black Jack as well as the 19th century farm and its impact on the prairie environment.

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For a brochure on the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park click here

To access a map of the Battle of Black Jack titled Prelude to War, published by the Lawrence Journal-World
for the 150th anniversary of the Battle, click here

For more information: The Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park, P.O. Box 44 Baldwin City, KS 66006 Phone:785-883-2106 info@blackjackbattlefield.org

We are located at 163 E 2000 Road in Wellsville, Kansas. Just 3 miles east of Baldwin City, Kansas, 1/4 mile south of Highway 56 on E2000 road.

Copyright 2009 The Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park

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