Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Big Spring
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
1. The Big Spring Marker
A gushing spring, largest of many along Spring Branch, once flowed here. Early pioneers, Osage Indians, and military personnel stopped to camp here and drink the mineral waters, believed to have curative powers. During the Victorian Era, when the city became a health spa, the spring was the centerpiece of Springs Park on this block. It ceased to flow with the advent of lead and zinc mining to the west.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 1.726′ N, 94° 44.06′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. It is on 7th Street east of Military Avenue (U.S. 69), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baxter Springs KS 66713, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern 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 and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hanging Tree (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry at Fort Blair (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Dog Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Baxter Springs (about 300 feet away); The Battle For Fort Blair
this page online
Also see . . . Baxter Springs First Kansas Cow Town. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on March 16, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
2. The Big Spring Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 785 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
