Flag's Birthday - 04 July 1861

Happy Birthday Old Glory!

Welcome to the Union Kansas!

34-Star Flag introduced upon Kansas being admitted to the Union

In addition to July Fourth being considered America's birthday, it is also the date most of our states have entered the Union and had the honor of having a star added to the flag.  Though this honor has been award to many, today we are hear to discuss the admission of one in particular, one which caused the Union a great deal of trouble, even helping to bring about the Civil War.  I am of course speaking of "Kansas".

Kansas began as part of the "Kansas-Nebraska Territory", before it was decided by Congress to divide this massive piece of territory into two potential states, they would eventually become the states of Kansas and Nebraska.  But before they could a decision had to be made regarding whether slavery would be permitted to exist or not.  Would Kansas enter the Union as a "Free" or a "Slave" state?  That was the question that soon had people up in arms and also arming themselves.

The "Kansas-Nebraska Act", which included the concept of "popular sovereignty" sought to end this turmoil.  Unfortunately all it did was hasten the Union's slide towards Civil War.  (Thanks a lot Kansas!)  As Kansas was flooded with anti-slavery and pro-slavery men, vicious fighting began to occur.  In accordance with this, Kansas soon earned the moniker "Bleeding Kansas" due to all of the bloodshed.

Into this fray stepped John Brown.  Though famous for his later raid on Harper's Ferry.  He couldn't resist getting involved in the Kansas fight.  One night at the pro-slavery settlement of Pottawatomie Creek, Brown and a group of men he led, forced 7 pro-slavery men from their homes and hacked them to death with broadswords.  Other altercations between groups pro and anti slavery made Kansas Territory into a battleground 7 years before the Civil War would make the entire nation into one huge battlefield.

Eventually, those settlers opposed to the extension of slavery into Kansas were victorious and Kansas was admitted as a free state on 29 January 1861.  However, it was not until 04 July 1861 that Kansas was formally represented by a star on the American flag.  The Star-Spangled Banner is a lucky old gal, she gets to celebrate multiple birthdays.  But today, it is important to remember the 34-star flag that served as Kansas induction into the United States and this momentous event occurred exactly 150 years ago today.

Happy Birthday Kansas!