Lane University
Lane University was a college located in Lecompton, Kansas.[1] It was founded in 1865 by Rev. Solomon Weaver, the first president, and was named after U.S. Senator James H. Lane. Jim Lane was a main free-state leader, and Lecompton was previously the capital of the opposing pro-slavery faction. Local tradition notes that a funding drive to construct the university promised to name it after the major contributor. Allegedly, James H. Lane made the largest pledge, received the namesake honor, and then defaulted on his promise.
The university was on the former land of the Kansas Territorial Capitol. It was built on the abandoned foundation of what was started to be the state capitol building. For most of its history, Lane was a private United Brethren college. Almost all of the presidents were pastors. In 1900, fewer than 200 students were enrolled. In 1902 Lane University was united with Campbell University to form Campbell College (Kansas).
The parents of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower met at Lane as students.
Today Lane University is a museum known as Lane University & Territorial Capital Museum, dedicated to Kansas history before the Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lane University is not to be confused with Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee.
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Notes
- ^ Volume II of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar. Transcribed July 2002 by Carolyn Ward.