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
The Southwest Corner of the Original Stockade was located near this point. The Militia consisted of many young men who had no families, therefore they were kept scouting most of the time. There were over 100 miles of state line to guard. The outfit and rations of a scout consisted of a Carbine rifle, 100 cartridges, bacon, sugar, coffee, and a grain sack that held five days rations and included army crackers. All of this was tied to the saddle with a frying pan and coffee bucket. The rations became pretty stale towards the end of their trip. The Militia's job was to guard and keep the territory from Caldwell to Dodge City, then south to the Cimarron River clear of any marauding bands of Indians.
Erected by the Medicine Lodge Guest Tax Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.
Location. 37° 16.778′ N, 98° 34.804′ W. Marker is in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, in Barber County. It is on West Washington Avenue just west of South Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
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: The Grand Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The First National Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Peace Treaty Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (approx. 0.2 miles
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker (east side)
Looking west from bank parking lot; West Washington Avenue is on the left.
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 15, 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 (west side)
Looking east; bank parking lot is in the background.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
4. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker
Located about 4 blocks south of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
