Just a few feet from the Santa Fe Trail (and only a few miles from my home) is one of Kansas’ newest additions to the National Register of Historic Places: Black Jack Battlefield. The Battle of Black Jack is considered by some to be one of the earliest battles of the American Civil War. In 1856, John Brown attacked a group of Pro-Slavery men led by Henry Pate, who had taken prisoners in retaliation for John Brown’s attack on Pottawatomie Creek, which was in retaliation for an earlier attack on Lawrence, Kansas. (Franklin and Douglas counties were not peaceful places to live in during the 1850s.)
Today, the battlefield has been preserved. Visitors can take a guided tour or watch reenactments. You can also visit the nature trail from dawn to dusk at no cost. The nature trail is beautiful and will offer new blossoms as the seasons pass.
Diana Staresinic-Deane 
Looks like a beautiful area and rich in history.
It’s really beautiful. I hope it will get more attention now that it’s on the national historic register.
Thanks for the info, Diana!
It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re out in this area.
Dear Diana, I loved Shadow on the Hill! Oh my that book is fabulous! I enjoyed and savored every word. Thank You! Deb Brooks Garnett, Ks
Thanks so much, Deb!
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