Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop

Baxter Springs Historic Walking Tour

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010

1. Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop Marker

Inscription.
J. P. Opperman, a native of France, came to Baxter Springs in 1871 and established the Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop located on this site. The building is still here, but lies beneath the present facade. Opperman's was one of the most successful businesses in Baxter Springs. This block of buildings was referred to as "Willard's Old Stand" throughout the 19th century.

J. P. Opperman served as mayor of Baxter Springs from 1883 to 1890. Upon retirement, Opperman turned the business over to his son, Charles Opperman, who ran the shop until it closed in 1924, bringing to an end one of the last vestiges of the original cowtown.

Erected by Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 37° 1.498′ N, 94° 44.108′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. Marker is on Military Avenue (U.S. 69) near 11th Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1036 Military Avenue, Baxter Springs KS 66713, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Illinois Cash Store (a few steps from this marker); Murder of C. M. Taylor (a few steps from this marker); Chicago Drug Store

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(a few steps from this marker); Drovers' and Farmers' Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Polster Dry Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Indiana House (within shouting distance of this marker); Crowell Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Café on the Route, Baxter Springs, Kansas (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baxter Springs.

Also see . . . Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on November 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Former Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop & Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010

2. Former Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop & Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.