The 13th annual Civil War on the Western Frontier kicks off this week and will run through Aug. 21 with historical tours, theatrical acts, films and children’s activities.

“It’s an opportunity to learn about Lawrence’s history in a way that is really varied and offers something for everyone,” said Susan Henderson, marketing director for the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Several tours are set, including:

¢ Black Jack Battlefield, site of what many consider the first battle of the Civil War, 163 E. 2000 Road, near Baldwin City, at 3 p.m. Saturday.

¢ Quantrill’s Raid, a walking tour led by Katie Armitage, starting at 8 a.m. Aug. 16, at Constant Park, Sixth and Tennessee streets.

¢ Lecompton – Territorial Capitol, Constitution Hall and other sites – at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17, at 640 E. Woodson, Lecompton.

Other highlights Aug. 16 include a Civil War encampment at South Park, starting at 9:30 a.m., and a benefit run/walk for Watkins Community Museum of History at 7 a.m.

Children can get their hands dirty and build a mud fort between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Aug. 11 and 12 at the Lawrence Visitor Center, 402 N. Second St., and north of Constant Park, Sixth and Tennessee streets.

A play, “A Song on the Wind,” written by Betty Laird, local historian and playwright, will give a fictionalized account of Quantrill’s Raid. That will be staged at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H.

For admission costs and more details about events, go to www.visitlawrence.com and click on the link to Civil War on the Western Frontier.