Chaos at the Crossing

Linn County, Kansas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and interesting history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Osage, Shawnee, and Delaware tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the region in the 1850s, and the county was officially established in 1867.

The county was named after Lewis F. Linn, a U.S. Senator from Missouri who died in 1843. Linn County played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era, a turbulent period in the lead-up to the American Civil War. The county became a hotbed of anti-slavery sentiment, and clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces were frequent. The Battle of Mine Creek, one of the largest cavalry battles of the war, took place in Linn County in 1864.

After the Civil War, Linn County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad in the late 1800s greatly facilitated transportation and trade in the region, leading to increased economic activity. Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of wheat and corn, became the dominant industry in the county, and several small towns were established throughout the area.

In the 20th century, Linn County faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county remained resilient and adapted to changing economic conditions. Today, Linn County continues to be a rural community with a strong agricultural focus. Its rich history is preserved in various historical sites, including the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, which commemorates the important Civil War battle that took place in the county.