From 1854 to 1861 , when Kansas became a state , at times the area around Lawrence was a battleground for settlers who had come from both the northern and southern states .
Lawrence was a free - state community built by northerners .
From 1854 to 1861 , when Kansas became a state , at times the area around community was a battleground for settlers who had come from both the northern and southern states .
Lawrence was a free - state community built by northerners .