Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Hanging Tree
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
1. The Hanging Tree Marker
A giant elm, it's branches spreading nearly 100 feet, grew here on the bank of Spring Branch. It shaded Fort Blair's mess kitchen during the Civil War and later was infamous as the site of vigilante justice. As many as seven horse thieves were hanged from the tree at one time. The old tree died and was cut down in the 1950's.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 1.732′ 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 left 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 Big Spring (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); Battle of Baxter Springs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle For Fort Blair (about 300 feet away); Fort Blair West Breastworks (about 300 feet away); Veterans Memorial
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 Hanging Tree Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,068 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
