Kansas-Missouri Border War

When Kansas was opened for settlement in 1854, a border war ensued, capturing the nation's attention. The Kansas-Nebraska Act nullified the uneasy balance established by the Missouri Compromise and left the territory's future slave status in the hands of settlers. The stakes were high for both sides. The violence of the Kansas-Missouri Border War ushered in the Civil War, consumed the region in bloody conflict through war's end, and devastated communities on both sides of the border.


The story of the Border War played out on both sides of the border through violence against people and property. Explore the links below to learn more about the Border War in various locations throughout Freedom's Frontier.