Broad timeline of Kansas Prohibtion History

•1830’s   Territorial period local option laws advocated for prohibition. (the ability of local political jurisdictions, counties, cities) to allow decisions on certain controversial issues based on popular vote within their borders.  Making “dramhouses” a local option.

•1850’s Independent Order of Good Templars founded.  First temperance organization.

•Post Civil War—Kansas State Temperance Union (KSTU) founded

•1878—at Camp meeting at Bismark Grove outside Lawrence, Woman’s Christian Temperance Union founded. 

•1878—National Temperance Camp Meeting at Bismark Grove

•1880--Kansas is the first state to write prohibition into its constitution

•1883—43 joints operating in Topeka with a monthly fine of $100 and lots of cat and mouse games between Jointists/police/courts.

•1890s—KSTU begins publishing the Kansas Issue

•1900—Carry Nation begins smashing campaign

•1901—Carry Nation comes to Topeka, this is a 4 year stay

•1901-- Nation addresses joint session of the legislature, goes on lecture tour and publishes the Smasher’s Mail.

•1907—Under Governor Hoch enforcement begins and statues are revised and strengthened.

•1909—Statues revised and druggist loophole for medicinal purposes is closed.

•1914—Rev. Charles Sheldon of Central Congregational Church promotes a “bone dry” Kansas.

•1917—Under Governor Capper, Kansas passes the “bone dry” bill.  Unlawful for anyone to keep or have in their possession intoxicating liquors. One exception is communion wine. 

•1919—18th Amendment to US Constitution.

•1919—Volstead Act enacted to provide for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment.

•1933—18th Amendment repealed.

•1948—Kansas repeals “bone dry” law and returns to local option.