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

John Baxter

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010

1. John Baxter Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the 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, incorporated in 1868, had been named for its first settler and the springs that flowed near his home.

Erected by Baxter Springs Historical Society.

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° 1.785′ N, 94° 44.05′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. Marker is on 6th Street near Military Avenue (U.S. 69), on the right when traveling east. Marker is in the Fort Blair Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baxter Springs KS 66713, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baxter Springs Massacre Burial Site (a few steps

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from this marker); Fort Blair West Breastworks (a few steps from this marker); Fort Blair Breastworks (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Baxter Springs (a few steps from this marker); The Battle For Fort Blair (a few steps from this marker); Fort Blair Blockhouse (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.

Also see . . .
1. Baxter Springs - The First Kansas Cowtown. (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. History of Baxter Springs. (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum. (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 28, 2010

2. John Baxter Marker

Looking southeast, with the replica Fort Blair blockhouse in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,001 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Check for possible replacement marker entitled "John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post". • Can you help?