Pleasant Township in Athol in Smith County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Welcome to the Home on the Range Site

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023

1. Welcome to the Home on the Range Site Marker

Inscription. Welcome to the Home on the Range Site, location of the historic Higley Cabin, which was approved for listing on the National Historical Register on March 26, 1973. The site is 240 acres, consisting of the original homestead of Dr. Brewster Higley VI plus an additional 80 acres. Contained in the acreage is 13 acres, the Cabin site, bordered on the west by a wire fence, the south by 90 Road, the east by the entrance road, and on the north by where you are standing.

The balance of the acreage is range and cropland rented to a private operator. Net income from the landlord's share of the farming operation is invested back into the Site; no individual/individuals benefit financially from the Site. Relive history as you spend some time in the Cabin and enjoy nature as you walk/ride the Rust Memorial Nature Trail, learning about the area as you read the information at the various data stations. There is no admission charge because it is believed historical sites should be enjoyed by all regardless of financial means. You are asked to be respectful; donations are accepted.

Erected by Peoples Heartland Foundation.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 39° 53.373′ N, 98° 56.83′ W. Marker is in Athol, Kansas, in Smith County. It is in Pleasant Township. It is on 90 Road. Marker is west along 90th Road from its intersection with Kansas Route 8. Marker and cabin are about 12 miles northwest of Smith Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7032 90 Road, Kensington KS 66951, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and in the Smoky Hills.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pete and Ellen Rust Memorial Nature Walk (here, next to this marker); "My Western Home" or "Home on the Range"

The Home on the Range Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023

2. The Home on the Range Site

The Higley Cabin is part of the Home on the Range Site.

(a few steps from this marker); Higley Cabin (approx. 0.6 miles away); History of Old Dutch Mill (approx. 11½ miles away).

Home on the Range Cabin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023

3. Home on the Range Cabin

The cabin where the poem "My Western Home" was first composed by Dr. Brewster M Higley. The poem would later be set to music as the American standard "Home on the Range."

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.