Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2025

1. John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1849, John Baxter, his wife and 8 children moved to this site and built an inn and general store and offered food and lodging to travelers who passed along the Military Road. Baxter was a colorful character - a speculator, business man, and “gun toting preacher”. A tragedy ended the life of this first citizen when he was killed in a shootout over a land dispute. Baxter Springs was incorporated in 1868, having been named for its first settler and the springs that flowed near his home.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 37° 1.788′ N, 94° 44.046′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. It is on East 6th Street east of Military Avenue (U.S. 66), on the right when traveling east. Marker is in Fort Blair Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 142 E 6th St, Baxter Springs KS 66713, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War

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Country.

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 New Spain

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Baxter Springs Massacre Burial Site (a few steps from this marker); Fort Blair Breastworks (a few steps from this marker); Fort Blair West Breastworks (a few steps from this marker); Fort Blair Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Baxter Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle For Fort Blair (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Blair (within shouting distance of this marker); 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry at Fort Blair (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baxter Springs.

Another marker is no longer nearby. John Baxter (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . .
1. Research. Collection

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 8, 2025

2. John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post Marker

That isn't Baxter's cabin in the background: It's a replica Fort Blair blockhouse.

of short articles about key events in the town's history, including the development of Military Road, a Civil War skirmish at Fort Blair, and the rise of the mining industry. (Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum) (Submitted on May 9, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Baxter Springs – First Kansas Cow Town. Before there was even a settlement in the area where Baxter Springs, Kansas would be established, the natural mineral springs were a popular stop with the Osage Indians as they traveled toward their summer hunting grounds. (Kathy Weiser-Alexander, Legends of America series) (Submitted on May 9, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.