Liberal in Seward County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Original Hand-Dug Well
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2012
1. Original Hand-Dug Well Marker
Approximately four-tenths of a mile south of this fountain and marker on Seymour S. Rogers' homestead was the original hand-dug well which gave Liberal its name.
In 1885 Rogers began offering free water from this well to settlers and trail-weary travelers. Free water brought the expression from them, "That's mighty liberal!" The name Liberal was first used officially to designate the post office, established June 14, 1886, at Rogers' settlement.
Upon the arrival of the Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska R.R. in April, 1888, the town site was moved one mile east and retained the name Liberal.
Erected 1974 by Liberal Woman's Club, Member GFWC.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1888.
Location. 37° 2.766′ N, 100° 56.4′ W. Marker is in Liberal, Kansas, in Seward County. It is on Western Drive north of 7th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in Blue Bonnet Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Liberal KS 67901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, on the Great Plains, on the Southern Plains, and specifically on the High 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, the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Liberal Army Air Base Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); International Pancake Day
this page online
Photographed by Unknown, 1974
2. Map of Original Hand-Dug Well on Marker
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 29, 2023
3. Blue Bonnet Park
The historical marker is located near a gazebo on the southwestern side of Blue Bonnet Park.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 10, 2012
4. Original Hand-Dug Well Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,094 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on March 27, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4. submitted on June 4, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
