Near Kismet in Seward County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Arkalon and the Samson of the Cimarron
Mighty Samson bridge over the Cimarron river in Seward County, Kansas The railroad, slowed by a hairpin curve and plagued by flooding on the Cimarron which brought severe damage to equipment and freight, diverted several miles of track from the town to utilize the bridge it erected here in 1939. Called the Samson of the Cimarron, the bridge is 1269 feet long and was considered an engineering marvel of the day. It helped speed the commerce of the Southwest to its destination, and Arkalon to oblivion.
Thirteen miles southwest is Liberal, established on the railroad in 1888, and the Seward County seat since 1892.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Department. (Marker Number 93.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 8.996′ N, 100° 44.978′ W. Marker was near Kismet, Kansas, in Seward County. Marker could be reached from the intersection of U.S. 54 and Panhandle Road. Marker is in roadside park on north side of US-54. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Kismet KS 67859, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Fargo Springs and Springfield (approx. 10.7 miles away); When Coronado came to Kansas (approx. 11.9 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 12 miles away); Seward County War Dead and Missing in Action (approx. 12 miles away); International Pancake Day (approx. 12 miles away); Liberal Memorial Library (approx. 12 miles away); The Pioneer Mother of Kansas (approx. 12 miles away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 12 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,080 times since then and 109 times this year. Last updated on May 21, 2023, by Bradley McWilliams of Bee Branch, Arkansas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on November 30, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.