Burning Humboldt
Story courtesy of Southeast Kansas Living
Magazine
SMOKE HANGS HEAVY IN THE AIR. Shouts from Confederate soldiers mix with the
screams of women, children and old men left to defend their town. The younger
men, members of the U.S. Infantry, have been called to Missouri to fight the
Civil War there.
The date is October 14, 1861. The town is Humboldt.
And the terror of the times is brought back to life every three years during
Civil War Days.
A replica of Humboldt is set afire, and the past is relived as a lesson in history.
The destruction of the town was not the community’s first clash with Confederates.
The town was attacked a month before, on September 8. A band of Confederate
guerillas, accompanied by Cherokee and half-breed Osage Indians, invaded the
community. Their intention was to strike terror in the population of the little
Union town, and to recover slaves who had run away from neighboring slave-holding
Missouri. Stores and homes were raided, their owners robbed of any money and
valuables the rebels could find.
The town was still trying to recover that fall afternoon, when raiders suddenly
invaded again, moving rapidly through the small community, setting torches to
homes and businesses. Only the churches were spared.
The early dusk was illuminated by the flames of the burning town. The invading
troops were made to think a defending force was on its way and departed, taking
captives a short distance from town, then releasing them.
The roar of the fire and crash of the buildings could be heard for miles. Nearly
the entire town lay in ashes and ruin. Only one resident of early Humboldt,
Abel Secrest, died as a result of the raid. Driving his mules east from the
river toward his home, located at the present site of the Bailey Hotel, Secrest
was shot in the shoulder for refusing to halt. Three days later, he was found
in the tall grass north of his home, dying from the gunshot wound.
Only one Confederate was killed during the burning of the town. He was shot
while attempting to remove the Union flag from a pole. Historic accounts say
that the shot "came out of nowhere," and his assailant was never identified.
The town of Humboldt, with a then population of about 100 families, refused
to be defeated. Residents rebuilt, never forgetting the bravery of those who
suffered. The community survived a blow from which many would not have recovered.
Twelve stone monuments mark historic locations throughout the community: Where
Mrs. J.A. Coffey, wife of the town’s founder, saved her home and store
with wet laundry; the well where Sophia Fussman hid account books and other
valuables, throwing them into the cavern on a feather bed while she hid herself
and her children in the tall prairie grass behind their home; the caves on the
Neosho River which were part of the Underground Railroad. Historic records show
slaves escaped from the river through tunnels to homes along the river.
The vivid and realistic reenactment of the burning of Humboldt by Confederate
troops and a trip along the Humboldt History Walk brings the history to life.
Twelve monuments explain 1861 raids
Visitors to Humboldt are welcome to explore the Historic Walking Tour on their
own (brochures are available at local businesses) or call ahead for a guided
tour.
The majority of markers are within easy walking distance from the downtown business
district. Visitors may walk or drive to those located farther from downtown.
A good place to start for anyone is the large Civil War Monument located on
the northwest corner of the Humboldt Square. (The inspirational Veterans Monument
is also located on the Square.)
Groups are encouraged to reserve a guide who will more completely explain the
happenings at each location and how the events fit together.
Monarch Cement Company of Humboldt donated the large native boulders used for
the individual markers. The etchings on black granite, both at the individual
markers and on the large Civil War Monument, are by Chanute artist Bob Cross.
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