One hundred fifty years seems like a long time. However, an old adage was brought to mind in reading the Independence Day comments in the July 6, 1872, Leavenworth Daily Commercial. The more things change the more they stay the same.

1872 was recognized as the first year that Independence Day was generally celebrated in the former Confederate States of America since the war had ended. Although that was not the case in Kansas, political difficulties continued to trouble the young state.

Editor George F. Prescott’s words could just as well have been written in 2022, although it seems there is little hope of so easily healing today’s wounds as was witnessed in 1872. For the readers of The Way West, consider the following:

“The 96th anniversary of the American Nation has come and passed. It came amidst the fierce ebullitions (emotions) of party and political strife; it came when good natured differences of opinion had ranged American citizens on two conflicting sides whose zeal for their favorites had been lashed almost into a heated anger and bitter enmity.

“But it passed in a general and universal rejoicing which joined the almost unwilling hands, it passed in fervid outbursts of patriotism which knit again together the hearts and souls of brothers whom political turmoil had well nigh estranged. It healed the open wounds, it tempered the rising passions; it did more to quell the bitterness of party strife and smooth the roughness of the opening great campaign than all the studied sentences and honeyed words of them who write and them who speak. Let us all be thankful for our national gala day.”

The paper noted that handsome decorations adorned nearly every street across Leavenworth, the oldest city in the state of Kansas. Flags floated “gaily to the breezes.”

The treasures of the forest were sought out to produce cut boughs and branches “decked in nature’s verdant hues,” and transferred to store fronts, houses and saloons. Explosions of firecrackers and fire arms of every kind could be heard throughout the day as citizens and “country cousins” filled the streets.

There were many ways to celebrate and enjoy the day. Not a cloud in the clear blue sky could be seen as “light zephyrs [were] playing about in a most refreshing style.” Two large picnics were held amid the beautiful scenery and pleasant surroundings of beautiful country groves. Carriages and busses were busy carrying folks to and fro between the city and the picnic grounds.

Early in the day the various societies gathered to form a great procession through the streets Two divisions were organized to take up a line of march to the picnic grounds. The stirring parade of organizations and everyday people served to unite the citizenry as one.

Almost every place of business was closed, “the merchants with a religious patriotism observing the holy day with the same sacredness in that respect almost as the Sabbath.” For in the eyes of all, Independence Day was a great and solemn “National Sabbath.”

As the procession moved away from town, the “First Division” turned toward Tashetta’s Grove and after crossing over the Shawnee Street bridge the “Second Division” marched to Kelly’s Grove. The Declaration of Independence was read, and speeches delivered.

Prescott wrote that one of the best celebrations of the day was held at the penitentiary. The South Leavenworth Musical Association entertained the assembled convicts while several orations were delivered by the convicts, giving evidence “that among the prisoners there may be well developed minds, and also sentiments delicate and refined.” Former Gov. Charles Robinson, who had been imprisoned during the dark days of the bleeding Kansas era, gave an entertaining speech alluding to his own imprisonment during those early troubles.

If all these celebrations in and around Leavenworth weren’t enough, the Baptist Church organized a railroad excursion for Sunday School children and their sponsors to travel over the Kansas Central Railroad to Grasshopper Falls for a picnic hosted by that town for visitors from several surrounding towns.

Back in Leavenworth, the evening brought a rousing fireworks display. All Leavenworth was ablaze and resounding with a matchless display of fireworks, dubbed “The Star of the West.” And as quickly as it had arrived the day of celebration was over. Thus ended the Fourth, 1872.

Editor Prescott wistfully noted, “Why cannot life be one perpetual Fourth of July, and our principal business to lie down in a shady grove with a sumptuous repast spread before you and, thousands of smiling faces around? Dolce far neinte (pleasant idleness) is your best philosophy.”

One hundred fifty years later the question remains. Why can’t we honor the spirit of Independence Day and recall that even in conflict, Americans are genuinely two sides of the same coin doing the best that they can on The Way West.

“The Cowboy,” Jim Gray can be reached at 220 21st Road Geneseo, Kan. Phone: (785) 531-2058 or kansascowboy@kans.com.