The origin of the Civil War can be traced to Lecompton and the events that occurred inside this two-story frame building during the Kansas territorial period of the 1850s. A Kansas constitution supporting slavery was written here in 1857 but was voted down at the national level. One can almost feel the tension these walls and beams witnessed more than 150 years ago. The territorial story is interpreted vividly with signage and exhibits. (NRHP; National Historic Landmark; 8 Wonders of Kansas History finalist)