Lawrence Local History

Opened to settlement in 1854, the settlers could decide whether to admit their territory as a slave or free state. Abolitionists from New England came to the city to keep it from becoming pro-slavery and Lawrence has been said to be one of the few cities founded purely for political reasons and was named after the financier of the abolitionists, Amos Lawrence. Lawrence acted as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves reach freedom.

It was also the scene of many clashes with those in favour of slavery and in 1863 the town was sacked and burnt for four hours, with many of the buildings constructed after this, still in use today. After the Civil War, the railroads pushed across the Great Plains and opened up territories. Lawrence is also known as the city where basketball came of age, when it was brought to the University of Kansas when it had only been founded seven years previously.

Lawrence Attractions

Lawrence Parks & Gardens

Hobbs Park Memorial - The memorial pays tribute to the vision, perserverance and sacrifices of Lawrence's founders and early residents.The monument builds upon the community's abolitionists roots and is comprised of an 1860's masonry building constructed after the burning of the city in 1863.The memorial was recently moved to the public park, which was the home site of one of the founders of Lawrence.

Clinton Lake - While the lake of 7000 acres provides swimming, boating and fishing, the 5 developed areas around the lake allows visitors to indulge in picnicking, hiking, mountain bike trails, fishing , playing fields, a swimming beach or just strolling around the open green spaces.

Lawrence Restaurants and Bars

Lawrence Restaurants

Au Marche - 931 Massachusetts. European grocery store specialising in cheese, salami, pate, cookies, coffee, condiments and chocolates.Visitors, like the locals, are sure to find many of their favourites among this smorgasbord of Continental delights.

Community Mercantile - 901 Iowa. Hot lunch specials, salad bar, sandwiches, organic coffee, fresh juice and baked goods are some of the items found here in the largest consumer-owned natural food store. It also offers the finest organic and locally produced goods.

Hereford House - 4931 West 6th Str. Voted Best Steakhouse, with an open-plan floor, large rock fireplace and red-toned leather walls in an authenic cowboy decor, it has over 11 appetizers to choose from and is known amongst locals as the steakhouse of record in Lawrence.