Franklin's Fort

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Franklin's Fort was a small blockhouse in Franklin, Douglas County, Kansas, built in May 1856 by pro-slavery settlers to defend the town and store arms, including the Old Sacramento Cannon seized during a raid on Liberty, Missouri.

During the Bleeding Kansas period, two battles occurred at the fort in 1856. The First Battle happened on June 4 when about 15 Free-Staters from Lawrence attacked at night. Defenders fired from their houses, the cannon fired once without causing injuries, and the attackers retreated after some Franklin residents were wounded and one man was killed. The fort was strengthened afterward.

The Second Battle took place on August 12. About 75 Free-State men from Lawrence attacked after dark, though only about 20 defenders remained at the fort. After several hours of fighting in the dark, the attackers used a wagon loaded with hay to set the front of the fort on fire, forcing the defenders to flee. The post office nearby was damaged, but the fort itself sustained only bullet damage. The Free-Staters looted 50–80 muskets and ammunition, plus food and 14 prisoners, and they found the Old Sacramento Cannon disguised as a dress-making mannequin. One Franklin defender was killed and several were wounded.

After the attacks, Franklin's Fort ceased to function as town defense and was later used as a residence by Dr. R. L. Williams, probably until the 1870s.