Topeka in Shawnee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Pappan's Ferry

1842

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 20, 2012

1. Pappan's Ferry Marker

Old Prairie Town at Historic Ward-Meade Park
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation website entry
Click for more information.

Inscription.
Travelers on the Oregon Trail encountered the first major obstacle of their journey when they reached the Kansas River. In 1842, Joseph and Louis Pappan established a ferry operation across the river. The ferry, at one time, was directly behind the original Ward cabin at the foot of Western Street on the south bank of the river.

The ferry was attached to ropes across the river, which were used to navigate it. The Pappan brothers charged $1 per wagon. Their ferry crossing operation was invaluable and profitable. This is a replica of an early ferry on the Kansas River.

Erected by Old Prairie Town.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 39° 3.831′ N, 95° 40.987′ W. Marker is in Topeka, Kansas, in Shawnee County. Marker is in Old Prairie Town at Historic Ward-Meade Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 NW Fillmore Street, Topeka KS 66606, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Pauline Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Pauline Depot (a few steps from this marker); Santa Fe Caboose #1552

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lingo Livery Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Barber Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Mulvane General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Everest Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Potwin Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Topeka.

Also see . . .
1. Ward-Meade Park, Topeka KS. Kansas Travel website entry (Submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

2. "Ferries in Kansas" in Kansas Historical Quarterly, by George A. Root (1933). Kansas Historical Society website entry (Submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Replica Ferry and Pappan's Ferry Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 20, 2012

2. Replica Ferry and Pappan's Ferry Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,231 times since then and 165 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.