Explore the Civil Rights History of Kansas – US Civil Rights Trail

Kansas

Kansas has been a progressive voice in the struggle for civil rights since it entered the Union as a “free state” in 1861. Abilene, Kansas, was home to President Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower who served in office during a time of rapid change for civil and human rights in America. He was responsible for desegregation in areas of federal authority, championed the first civil rights legislation in 80 years, and enforced the Supreme Court’s ruling in the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. To learn more about President Eisenhower’s impact on history, visitors can explore the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home in Abilene.

Topeka, Kansas, was placed center stage in the Civil Rights Movement through the landmark court ruling of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Today, you can visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in the former Monroe Elementary School and gain context and understanding of the plight and perspective of those who challenged the nation’s “separate but equal” mindset and championed school integration against all odds.

PRE-PLANNED ITINERARY

When you’re ready to experience the history of the United States Civil Rights Trail firsthand, download a state itinerary. These guides have information about the sites you can visit in each state as well as directions and other useful tools to help you successfully plan your trip.

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PODCAST

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks in the Southern states and beyond that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of history. We started this podcast to continue our mission of motivation people to learn more, see more and feel more. Through this podcast we will tell deeper stories of the Civil Rights Movement from people who were there and made a difference.

 

  • Season 1 – Alabama

  • Season 2 – Mississippi

  • Season 3 – South Carolina

  • Season 4 – Louisiana

  • Season 5 – Tennessee

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