Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

First School in Baxter Springs

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012

1. First School in Baxter Springs Marker

Inscription. In 1866, a small log school building was built on this site, with benches and desks hewn from logs. The first teacher was Miss Lillie Van Epps. It was a subscription school, which was maintained, and the teacher paid with tuition from the students. The school operated until 1868 when a new frame school was constructed on the southeast corner of 11th and Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 37° 1.665′ N, 94° 44.096′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. It is at the intersection of Military Avenue (U.S. 69) and 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on Military Avenue. 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: Wiggins House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Big Spring (about 400 feet away); The Hanging Tree (about 400 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Black Dog Trail (about 500 feet away); 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry at Fort Blair (about 600 feet away); Last Pratt Pony Truss Bridge in Cherokee County (about 600 feet away); The Zellekin Brewery (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baxter Springs.

Also see . . .

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Baxter Springs – First Kansas Cow Town. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012

2. First School in Baxter Springs Marker

Looking northeast across Military Avenue

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 636 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.