To the editor:

The Lecompton Historical Society was privileged and honored to host the historian from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library from Springfield, Illinois. Christian McWhirter was a dynamic, energetic and knowledgeable speaker. He discussed the opinions and thoughts Lincoln had on slavery and Lecompton and Kansas. He made the statement that Lecompton was the national and international story for over four years.

If Lecompton was the story, so was Kansas. The governor and Legislature are looking for ways to promote our state. Why not promote Kansas as Nebraska did last year with a unique tag line “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone.” Kansas’ tag line could be “Kansas, the birthplace of the Civil War, NOT South Carolina.” Fewer than 10 people were killed at Fort Sumpter and over 100 in Kansas prior to 1861. Kansas history was and is important to the world. Why not let the world have the opportunity to see our history. It is economic development! And while the Kansas History Museum in Topeka is closed, come learn about the importance of Kansas history and its impact on our country by visiting historic Lecompton.

Paul Bahnmaier,

Lecompton