U.S. History: Regional Museums & Historic Sites (Kansas & Missouri)

The Battle of Island Mound was the first time that black soldiers fought in combat during the Civil War. The location of this battle is now preserved as a historical site.

The Education Department at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site strives to provide quality curriculum-based resources and activities for educators and parents. Information is available related to the Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court case, the Civil Rights Movement, education, African American history and cultural and social justice.

Lecompton was founded in 1854 and platted on a bluff on the south bank of the Kansas River. It was originally called “Bald Eagle,” but then later changed to Lecompton in honor of Samuel D. Lecompte, the chief justice of the territorial supreme court. In 1855, the town became the permanent and only official capital of the Kansas Territory. President James Buchanan appointed a governor and officials to establish government offices in Lecompton, and construction began on an elegant capitol building, Lane University / Territorial Capitol Museum

From Americans to Mexicans, Cheyenne to Apache, Germans to Irish, Fort Larned typified the cultural interplay that defined 19th century America. The racial and cultural issues being decided in this period of change were borne out at Fort Larned.

Fort Scott's story spans one of the most critical eras of our nation's history. While its buildings are restored to their 1840s appearance, its stories are of Indian Removal, westward expansion, Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War, and the Railroad years. Explore more about Fort Scott's history and watch a 23 minute movie online by going to the History and Culture section.

The National Landmark System is like a gigantic "shadow" National Park System hiding behind the official National Park System. This is Part 1 of a 2-part program about Harry S Truman Historic District National Historic Landmark. This program, which examines the growth and development of the National Landmark Program, sets the stage for Part 2, which examines the Harry Truman Historic District in detail.

America's National Churchill Museum at Westminster College commemorates and celebrates the life, times, and distinguished career of Sir Winston Churchill and inspires current and future leaders by his example of resilience, determination, and resolution.

The Battle of Wilson's Creek (called Oak Hills by the Southerners) was fought ten miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri on August 10, 1861. Named for the stream that crosses the area where the battle took place, it was a bitter struggle between Union and Southern forces for control of Missouri in the first year of the Civil War.