National Register Listing

Constitution Hall-Topeka

a.k.a. Free State Capitol

429 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government ethnic heritage black
The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Shawnee County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich history intertwined with the growth and development of the region. The area that is now Shawnee County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Potawatomi, and Kansa. European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century when French fur traders arrived, followed by American settlers.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the establishment of the Kansas Territory, including what would become Shawnee County. The area saw significant turmoil and violence during the Bleeding Kansas era, as tensions rose between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers. Shawnee County specifically played a role in this conflict, with several incidents occurring within its borders.

The year 1855 marked the official founding of Shawnee County, with the establishment of Topeka as its county seat. The city grew rapidly, becoming the state capital of Kansas in 1861. With the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, Topeka and Shawnee County experienced further expansion and economic growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Shawnee County continued to thrive. It became a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation industries. The county also played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Notable events include the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which originated in Topeka and led to the desegregation of schools nationwide.

Today, Shawnee County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong focus on education, arts, and culture. Its rich history is preserved through numerous historical sites, museums, and landmarks, reminding residents and visitors alike of the region's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Shawnee County, Kansas.

  • 1817 - Shawnee County established as part of the Territory of Missouri.
  • 1825 - Treaty of St. Louis establishes Shawnee Indian reservation in the area.
  • 1830 - Shawnee Indians are removed from the reservation as part of the Indian Removal Act.
  • 1845 - Shawnee County is officially organized with Tecumseh as its county seat.
  • 1855 - Topeka becomes the county seat of Shawnee County.
  • 1857 - The first courthouse in Shawnee County is completed.
  • 1870 - The population of Shawnee County reaches over 13,000 people.
  • 1930 - The population of Shawnee County exceeds 95,000 people.
  • 1954 - Topeka becomes the site of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
  • 1977 - The first women are sworn into office as Shawnee County Commissioners.
  • 1996 - The Kansas Expocentre in Topeka opens, becoming a major entertainment venue.
  • 2007 - The Heartland Park Topeka sports complex undergoes significant renovations.