"Kansans have always taken their history seriously. The slavery controversy left an indelible mark upon the inhabitants, who were inordinately proud of the role their state had played. The heavy influx of veterans after 1865 served to keep that sentiment alive. Early writers concentrated on territorial days and sought to interpret Kansas history solely in terms of a highly idealistic struggle to save not only the territory but the whole country from slavery. The careers of early residents were eulogistically written; Kansas developed its own hagiography."