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
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. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 1.785′ N, 94° 44.05′ W. Marker was in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. It was 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 was in this post office area: Baxter Springs KS 66713, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War Country. It was also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post (here, next to this marker); Baxter Springs Massacre Burial Site
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Baxter Springs - The First Kansas Cowtown. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum. Museum website entry (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
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 May 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,502 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Check for possible replacement marker entitled "John Baxter's Cabin and Trading Post". • Can you help?
