HOISINGTON — Hoisington Public Library will host “Last Stand at Rebel Creek: The Osage as Union Allies in Civil War Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Dr. Isaias McCaffery at 10 a.m. on April 20 at 169 S. Walnut. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Refreshments will be served.
As conflicts between states increased during the Civil War, both the Union and the Confederacy tried to use the Osage to achieve their own aims. Initially divided over how their people should respond, the Osage eventually emerged as important allies of the Union forces, thwarting an 1863 Confederate expedition tasked with reviving Southern resistance in Colorado and New Mexico territories. This presentation explores these contributions.
Dr. McCaffery, a history professor at Independence Community College, is past president of the Kansas Association of Historians. He authored “Wi Leahre Plautdietsch: An Beginner’s Guide to Mennonite Low German,” published in 2009.
“Last Stand at Rebel Creek: The Osage as Union Allies in Civil War Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
This program is made possible by Humanities Kansas. Contact the library at 620-653-4128 for more information.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
