Medicine Lodge in Barber County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Medicine Lodge Stockade
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
1. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker
Near this point was the Northwest Corner of the Medicine Lodge Stockade. According to records, the west line ran south down the present alley to a corner near where the Peoples Bank is now located. The south line was along the south side of the Grand Hotel to where the Courthouse is located then north to where the Presbyterian Church is presently located. Gates were maintained in the center of the north and south sides of the Stockade. A livery barn was located inside the Stockade. Near the center, a meat wagon stood where everyone could help themselves to the meat. When the meat wagon went empty, two men were detailed to get a new supply. Buffalo meat was most often used and corn was ground in a coffee grinder for bread.
Erected by the Medicine Lodge Guest Tax Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 37° 16.917′ N, 98° 34.8′ W. Marker is in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, in Barber County. It is on West 1st Avenue just
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, on the Great Plains, on the Southern Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peace Treaty Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First National Bank (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Grand Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Barber County Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker (south side)
Looking northeast from West 1st Avenue. The marker marks the northwest corner of the original stockade.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Medicine Lodge Stockade
Also see . . . Medicine Lodge Stockade.
Excerpt: In 1874, during a period of Indian raids in western and southern Kansas, the governor of Kansas, Thomas A. Osborn, organized the Kansas State Guards. The stockade was built by the militia and citizens of Medicine Lodge. Pioneers were seeking a new land of opportunity where one could homestead and raise a family. Stockades became the gathering place of protection for these pioneers during troubled times. Within the stockade walls communities were built and friendships were forged as everyone daily worked together to provide adequate food and clothing for each family. At the close of the day families gathered together to spend time singing hymns and thanking the Lord for another day of safety.(Submitted on October 11, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)About 200 people gathered in the stockade, with wagons, teams, cows, and dogs. There were a few old stone buildings. These were used to shelter families; some sheltered several families. Some folks camped in their wagons. It was May when the people went into the stockade and fall when they moved out.
The current Stockade Museum was built in 1961. It is not an exact replica of the original stockade but is built the same way. It is about 1/3 the size of the original stockade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
3. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker (north side)
Looking southeast across West 1st Avenue; North Main Street crosses in the left background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
4. Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum
Located about 6 blocks south of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
