To cross the high western mountains before the fall snow storms arrived, many emigrant wagon trains headed for the Oregon or California territories left Independence, Missouri, in mid April to early May. The downside to leaving too early often . . . — — Map (db m79152) HM
The water is of the most excellent kind. The spring is surrounded with Ash Cotton wood and Cedar trees. It is an excellent place to camp for a day or two to wash, recruit the cattle etc. I this day cut the name of the spring in the rock on . . . — — Map (db m79134) HM
Alcove Spring Park consists of more than 200 acres of native prairie and timber land maintained for the preservation of this historic camping ground on the Oregon-California trail and for the enjoyment of our visitors. The park is owned . . . — — Map (db m79116) HM
On Valley Road (State Highway 9) 0.1 miles east of U.S. 77, on the right when traveling east.
Six miles northwest is Alcove Springs, named in 1846 by appreciative travelers on the Oregon trail who carved the name on the surrounding rocks and trees. One described the Springs as "a beautiful cascade of water... altogether one of the most . . . — — Map (db m79113) HM
On 5th Street (U.S. 77) at Main Street, on the left when traveling east on 5th Street.
Ringing loudly at the City's first station, this fire bell was once used to call our firemen to duty. The bell was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Gellinger in memory of Jeff Wise, long time firefighter and employee of the City of Blue Rapids — — Map (db m78928) HM
On Main Street at 6th Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street.
Huge continental glaciers, hundreds of feet thick, came from the north to northeastern Kansas in at least two different episodes carrying rocks, gravel, sand, and a special clay called loess to the Blue Rapids area. Our fertile soils and . . . — — Map (db m78960) HM
On Main Street at Smyth Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
This log cabin was built by Swedish emigrants Frank and Augusta Sjoholm in the mid 1870's on their farm eight miles southeast of Blue Rapids. Hewn logs of oak were used in the 12 X 26 foot cabin. The lengthwise logs were spliced by being shaped . . . — — Map (db m78930) HM
On 5th Street (U.S. 77) at Gypsum Street, on the right when traveling west on 5th Street.
This field was the site of a 1913 game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants, winners of the national league pennant that year. Teams consisted of players from other major league teams, who were on a world tour. Blue Rapids was . . . — — Map (db m79095) HM
On Main Street at 6th Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street.
The age of ice made great changes in the Earth's climate. From 1.6 million to 10,000 years ago the climate chilled, glaciers formed and advanced and retreated at least twice. Advancing glaciers squeezed zones where plants, people and other . . . — — Map (db m78957) HM
On Main Street at 6th Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street.
The oldest rocks in Kansas can be found right here in Blue Rapids. They are called Sioux Quartzite, a metamorphosed red sandstone originally deposited as sand in riverbeds, buried, and made extremely hard by heat and pressure. This quartzite was . . . — — Map (db m78958) HM
Dedicated to
Gregory M. Franzwa
1926 - 2009
Friend of Alcove Spring
Historian-Writer-Publisher
Founder of the
Oregon-California Trails Association — — Map (db m79119) HM
Stranded by heavy flood waters on the bank of the Big Blue River, 100 members of the Donner and Reed Wagon Train waited for several days anticipating that the spring runoff would begin to subside. Sarah Keyes, James Reed's mother-in-law, . . . — — Map (db m79137) HM
On Main Street at 6th Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street.
Blue Rapids Boys in the Service
1914 - 18
Died in Service
George Bedford • Clarence L Cole • William E Netz • William J Rombeck • Emil Vopata • Raphael L Zidek
[Honor Roll of Veterans]
Marshall County WWII Casualties
James . . . — — Map (db m79091) WM
