In May 1856 , a large proslavery force entered Lawrence and destroyed many buildings and printing presses in what became known as the " Sacking of Lawrence . " Shannon failed to intervene to protect the citizens and their property . In retaliation , John Brown and a small group of followers moved along Pottawatomie Creek , 40 miles south of Lawrence , killing five proslavery settlers . The " Pottawatomie massacre " , as it came to be known , brought even more violence into the territory . Shannon lost complete control of the territory and left for St. Louis on June 23 , 1856 , leaving Daniel Woodson as acting governor
Pottawatomie massacre
Pottawatomie massacre
Wilson Shannon