Last Sunday evening, my husband, son and I went exploring and made this surprising discovery.
Were we in Washington, D.C.?
Nope—we were wandering through a cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. And that made me wonder: what is Lincoln’s historical connection to Kansas?
Lincoln Goes to Kansas
In December 1859, Abraham Lincoln made a brief but significant visit to Kansas. At the time, Kansas was still a territory and had become a national story over the issue of slavery. Earlier that year, abolitionist John Brown had made headlines with his militant efforts to end slavery in the region—part of the intense struggle that earned Kansas the nickname “Bleeding Kansas.”
Lincoln’s visit wasn’t just a casual stop. He was testing the political waters ahead of the 1860 presidential election, delivering speeches in several Kansas towns. Just a little over a year later, Kansas would become the 34th state—entering the Union as a free state in January 1861, shortly before Lincoln took office.
Honoring Lincoln in Topeka
As Topeka grew, local leaders sought to honor Lincoln’s legacy. In February 1865—just two months before Lincoln’s assassination—the Congregational Church founded Lincoln College. The land was donated by abolitionist John Ritchie, who was active in the Underground Railroad and passionate about education and equality.
Lincoln College was a private institution offering both high school and college-level education. In January 1866, 38 high school students enrolled, including one African-American student. That fall, two college students joined them. But the school struggled financially during the post–Civil War years.
Rev. Horatio Q. Butterfield reached out to Ichabod Washburn, a Massachusetts industrialist, Congregationalist, and abolitionist with a heart for education. Washburn pledged $25,000 to support the college. In gratitude, the institution was renamed Washburn College just one month later. Sadly, Ichabod Washburn died in December 1868, following complications from a stroke. He never visited the campus that now bears his name.
A Memorial in Stone
A century after Lincoln’s visit to Kansas, a memorial was erected in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka in 1959. It features the full text of the Gettysburg Address carved in stone—and embedded within it is an actual stone from the Gettysburg battlefield.
In 1961, the replica of the Lincoln Memorial was added to the site, further honoring the President who helped preserve the Union and end slavery.
We happened to visit the cemetery during golden hour, just before sunset. The soft, warm light made the entire scene glow, and our photos captured that gentle, reverent tone.
When was the last time you uncovered a bit of history close to home? I’d love to hear about your latest discovery — share it in the comments!
Disclosure: Featured and other photos property of Angie Vallejo
I'd love to hear what you think!