Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Crowell Bank
Baxter Springs Historic Walking Tour
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010
1. Crowell Bank Marker
The first bank in Baxter Springs was the Bank of Baxter also called the Crowell Bank. It was established in 1870 and did business in this building. H. R. Crowell, the founder, was the second mayor of Baxter Springs. In May of 1876, Jesse James and an accomplice who may have been Cole Younger, held up the bank cashier and made off with $2900. The bandits headed south for Indian Territory, taunting locals to give pursuit. They were pursued by a posse to a point seven miles south of town. There they managed to waylay the posse and disarm their pursuers.
The Crowell Bank collapsed in 1887, a victim of poor management and hard times. In this century, the building has been the site of a grocery store and several restaurants. The facade of the building was rebuilt in 1926, but the remainder of the building is original.
Erected by Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Jesse James series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1876.
Location. 37° 1.473′ N, 94° 44.125′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. Marker is at the intersection of Military Avenue (U.S. 69) and 11th Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Café on the Route, Baxter Springs, Kansas (here, next to this marker); Indiana House (a few steps from this marker); Illinois Cash Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Opperman Harness and Saddle Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Murder of C. M. Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Drovers' and Farmers' Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Polster Dry Goods Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baxter Springs.
Also see . . .
1. Baxter Springs – First Kansas Cow Town. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on March 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on November 3, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010
2. Crowell Bank Building and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 879 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
