Pawnee Rock in Barton County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
"A Remarkable Rocky Point"
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2012
1. "A Remarkable Rocky Point" Marker
From 1821 until late in the 1800s Pawnee Rock was a noted landmark along the Santa Fe Trail. Thousands of wagons lumbered and creaked by here carrying goods to or from the great American Southwest. Many travelers recorded their impressions of this site in their journals and letters.
After Breakfast…we all started…. Mr. Gamble and myself rode out upon the high Prairie…to a remarkable rocky point…. [its] Rocks are very large and of a glossy Black colour…. We rode upon the top which is probably 50 feet above the plain below, and from whence there is a charming view of the country in every direction.”
George C. Sibley,
U. S. Government Surveyor
August 30, 1825
Erected by Kansas State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 38° 16.345′ N, 98° 58.953′ W. Marker is in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, in Barton County. Marker is at the beginning of the walking path to the top of Pawnee Rock, at Pawnee Rock State Historical Site, off SW 112th Avenue/Center Street. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Santa Fe Trail Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); “One of the Grandest Sights Ever Beheld” (within shouting distance of this marker); Marking the Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named “One of the Grandest Sights Ever Beheld” (within shouting distance of this marker); "A Rallying Point for the Indians" (within shouting distance of this marker); "A Point of Red Rocks" (within shouting distance of this marker); "Along Came the Line of Wagons" (within shouting distance of this marker); William Becknell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pawnee Rock.
Also see . . .
1. Pawnee Rock State Historical Site, Kansas. (Submitted on April 7, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Santa Fe National Historic Trail. (Submitted on April 7, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Santa Fe Trail Association. (Submitted on April 7, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2012
2. "A Remarkable Rocky Point" Marker
Kansas State Historical Society, undated
3. Map on "A Remarkable Rocky Point" Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 9, 2012
4. View of "A Remarkable Rocky Point" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
