They were inspired by a sermon given by well-known abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher, who donated money to help supply rifles for the men to defend themselves.

Wabaunsee was staunchly anti-slavery and became part of the Underground Railroad in late 1856 and helped Lawrence after Quantrill's Raid.

In 1862, the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church was completed and after the Civil War, Wabaunsee hoped for a railroad, but it was constructed north of the river.

[3] Today, the community consists of several houses and buildings including the church which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wabaunsee is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.The community is served by Wamego USD 320 public school district.