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 Northeast Corner of the Medicine Lodge Stockade was located near this point. The Militia was commanded by Captain Ricker and John Mosely, who was second in command. The Militia had only one encounter with the Indians. This took place northwest of Sharon, at the foot of the Big Hills. There were about 50 Indians, in which 6 were killed. The entire Indian camp was taken over by the Militia after this encounter, including 54 ponies and 6 mules. On June 17, 1874, the Osage Indians made a raid in this area and killed John Marin and Elijah Kennedy 2½ miles Southwest of Medicine Lodge. Issac Kein was also killed by the Indians near Cedar Creek, only 3½ miles West of town.
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 date for this entry is June 17, 1874.
Location. 37° 16.915′ N, 98° 34.692′ W. Marker is in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, in Barber County. It is on East 1st Avenue just west of North Walnut Street, on the right when traveling
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 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Medicine Lodge Stockade (about 500 feet away); The First National Bank (about 700 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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker (south side)
Looking northeast; the First United Presbyterian Church is in the background.
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 16, 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.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20243. Medicine Lodge Stockade Marker (north side)Looking southeast; East 1st Avenue is in the background.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
4. Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum
Located about 6 blocks southwest 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 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 15, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
