Baxter Springs in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Johnston Public Library
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
1. Johnston Public Library Marker
This grand building was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Built in 1872, it was intended to be the county courthouse, but was never used for that purpose. Through the years, the building has served as a city hall and a college. The upstairs featured a stage and auditorium seating. School programs, city drama productions, and Chautauqua performances took place there. In 1905, Peter Niles Johnston provided a bequest for the city to establish a permanent library in the building.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.
Location. 37° 1.552′ N, 94° 44.227′ W. Marker is in Baxter Springs, Kansas, in Cherokee County. It is on 10th Street west of Park Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 West 10th Street, 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: Baxter Springs Massacre (within shouting distance of this marker); Ohlen's Restaurant and Bakery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Polster Dry Goods Store (about 500 feet away); Drovers' and Farmers' Bank
this page online
Also see . . .
1. History of the Johnston Public Library. Library website entry (Submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Johnston Public Library. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. 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. Johnston Public Library and Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
3. Johnston Public Library
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 12, 2012
4. Johnston Public Library Sign
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 550 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
