Andrew H. Reeder is appointed the first territorial governor of Kansas and the 1st territorial legislature meets in 1855. Counties are organized and a census is taken later in the year. Pioneers flock to Kansas to establish homes and farms. Towns spring up overnight. A territorial road is established.
Border wars heat up.
1856 Shawneetown is incorporated on August 10, 1856. Mr. J. D. Allen becomes the first white settler in the Shawnee area. 1858 Deed to Shawneetown dated October 23, 1858. Territory begins to attract multitude of settlers. In July, the first post office is established in Shawnee, with M. P. Randall as postmaster.