BALDWIN CITY — One of the opening shots of the Civil War – but about four years early — the battle of Black Jack, will be re-enacted Saturday on the site where the battle occurred three miles east of Baldwin City. Pro-slavery government forces made a disastrous attempt to catch the fiery abolitionist John Brown, who forced the pro-slavery group to surrender. Kerry Alternbernd, a member of the Black Jack group and a John Brown re-enactor, said the battle came at a time during the period of Bleeding Kansas when pro-slavery forces had seized the machinery of state government and was using it to suppress free-state settlers. Brown’s victory dramatically shifted the political and military situation. John Brown Day will be 9 to 8, with three battle re-enactments at 11, 1:30 and 3:30. There will be live music and performances, tours and lots of history. Admission is $5. Children 12 and under are free.
Friday, June 4, 7 a.m.
