She was one of the most important activists in the earliest days of Kansas. But her name has largely been forgotten. Clarina Nichols came to Kansas to fight against slavery, working as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She also agitated for women's rights and against alcohol. During the 19th Century, Nichols worked as a teacher, journalist, public speaker and in a variety of other professions. But unless you're a Kansas history expert, chances are, you've never heard of her. Luckily, we have guest Commentator Bobbie Athon to tell us more about this remarkable woman: Clarina Nichols.
Guest Commentator Bobbie Athon is a lifelong Kansan and the public information officer for the Kansas Historical Society. She lives in Topeka.
Read more about Clarina Nichols.
Production assistance for this commentary was provided by KPR News Intern Taylor Smith, a junior from Salina, studying news and information at the University of Kansas.