Constitution Hall Topeka

A lawyer, journalist, and abolitionist, Kagi arrived in Kansas Territory during the conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas." He joined the Free-State movement, helped resist pro-slavery forces, and became known as one of the most intelligent and outspoken advocates for a free Kansas. Kagi even worked as a journalist in Topeka, reporting on the struggle that would shape the future of the territory.

He eventually joined John Brown. Brown trusted Kagi so much that he named him Secretary of War in his provisional government. At just 24, Kagi was killed during John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859.

While Constitution Hall stands as a symbol of the fight against slavery through the Topeka Constitution, people like John Henry Kagi remind us that the battle was also fought by individuals willing to risk their lives for freedom.