Pleasant Township in Athol in Smith County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Pete and Ellen Rust Memorial Nature Walk
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023
1. Pete and Ellen Rust Memorial Nature Walk Marker
It was during the following years that the Rusts had several chances to profit from the sale of the Cabin but in every instance declined the lucrative offers because all the buyers planned to move the Cabin off site.
They even, though living in poverty, established the basis for the Cabin staying forever on the Site for the enjoyment of all who visit.
Pete and Ellen loved the outdoors gardening, hunting, and fishing. As you walk the Trail picture them walking with you as you enjoy sights and sounds of nature. They loved this West Beaver Creek and invite you to develop that same love.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.
Location. 39° 53.373′ N, 98° 56.83′ W. Marker is in Athol, Kansas, in Smith County.
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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: Welcome to the Home on the Range Site (here, next to this marker); "My Western Home" or "Home on the Range" (a few steps from this marker); Higley Cabin (approx. 0.6 miles away); History of Old Dutch Mill (approx. 11½ miles away).
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023
2. Dr. Brewster Higley VI Cabin
The cabin where the poem "My Western Home" was composed in 1871. The poem would later be set to music and become the American standard "Home on the Range."
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 30, 2023
3. Pete and Ellen Rust Memorial Nature Walk
The Rust Trail is located at the Home on the Range Site.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 18 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.
