The Motive
What was William Clarke Quantrill's true motivation in attacking Lawrence? There are two possible explanations. Quantrill was either a Confederate patriot punishing northern sympathizers or a profiteer taking advantage of the war for his own and his men's benefit. The fact that his band did not kill any women or children would seem to point to the first explanation. However, the group did wantonly kill men who were most likely simple farmers many without any real connection to the Union. They also burned numerous buildings to the ground. The looting further suggests that Quantrill did not have purely ideological motives for attacking Lawrence. However, in response to this, many of the Raiders are said to have ridden through the streets of Lawrence yelling 'Osceola'. This referred to an event in Osceola, Missouri where Federal Officer, James Henry Lane, had his men burn and loot both Loyal and Confederate sympathizers indiscriminately.
The Legacy
Quantrill was killed in 1865 during a raid in Kentucky. However, he quickly became a celebrated figure of the Civil War from the southern perspective. He was a hero to his supporters in Missouri, and his fame actually helped several other outlaw figures of the Old West. The James Brothers and the Youngers used the experienced they gained riding with Quantrill to help them rob banks and trains. Members of his Raiders gathered from 1888 to 1929 to recount their war efforts. Today there is a William Clarke Quantrill Society dedicated to the study of the Quantrill, his men and the border wars. Looking at Quantrill in the context of his times provides an interesting perspective on his actions. To this day, people argue whether his actions were warranted. What is your opinion? Quantrill: Hero or Villain? Let me know by posting your opinion in the forum.
