Populism in Kansas
Kansas agrarian political revolt associated with the Populist (People’s) Party and related reform movements in the 1890s.
Places
- Lucas. Kansapedia describes Dinsmoor’s Garden of Eden in Lucas as depicting his interpretation of the Bible and modern civilization through his populist views.
- Medicine Lodge. Kansapedia states Jeremiah Simpson of Medicine Lodge was elected in 1890 to the U.S. Congress as a Populist (“Sockless Jerry”).
- Wichita. Kansapedia states Mary Elizabeth Lease moved to Wichita and by 1890 was in the forefront of the People’s (Populist) Party, traveling Kansas for the cause.
- Topeka. Kansapedia states William Peffer of Topeka was the first Populist to serve as U.S. senator; the 1893 Kansas House “Legislative War” between Populists and Republicans also centered on the statehouse in Topeka.