Liberal in Seward County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
When Coronado came to Kansas
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012
1. When Coronado came to Kansas Marker
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, with 36 soldiers and Father Juan de Padilla, marched north from the Rio Grande valley in the spring of 1541. Coronado's objective was the land of Quivira, described to the Spaniards as a fabulously wealthy kingdom where gold was commonplace. In June the expedition entered the Arkansas River to what is now Rice and McPherson counties. The Spaniards found no gold, only the grass lodges of the Quiviran Indians, and the guide who misled Coronado was killed.After more than a month spent in exploring central Kansas, the expedition returned to the Southwest, disappointed in the quest for riches but favorably impressed by the land itself. Juan Jaramillo, Coronado's lieutenant, wrote: "It is not a hilly country, but has table-lands, plains, and charming rivers . . . . I am of the belief that it will be very productive of all sorts of commodities."
According to legend, Seymour S. Rogers, the first settler here in the mid-1880s, was said to have been "mighty liberal" with water from his well. From this came the name for the city established here in 1888.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.
Location. 37° 2.038′ N, 100° 54.604′ W. Marker is in Liberal, Kansas, in Seward County. Marker is at the intersection of Yellow Brick Road and East Pancake Boulevard, on the right when traveling north on Yellow Brick Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Liberal KS 67901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rock Island Lines (approx. 0.7 miles away); Seward County War Dead and Missing in Action (approx. 0.8 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 0.9 miles away); Liberal Memorial Library (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Pioneer Mother of Kansas (approx. 0.9 miles away); International Pancake Day (approx. one mile away); Original Hand-Dug Well (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberal.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012
2. When Coronado came to Kansas Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012
3. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 720 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
