On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Wood Street, on the right when traveling west.
"Those who have occassion to stop at Council Grove, on the Santa Fe Road, will do well to 'put up' with Charles A. Gilkey [Hays' hotel clerk] [?] host of the Hayes House. [They] cannot but help feeling quite at home.
- Kansas Press, July . . . — — Map (db m45123) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Adams Street, on the left when traveling west.
This building houses a two-story log house originally built on Clark's Creek near a large spring, west of Latimer, in western Morris County. The log house was built by Stephen Atkinson, his father Cornelius, and his brother James. They were the . . . — — Map (db m45406) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Adams Street, on the left when traveling west.
This masonry building was constructed as a grocery store in 1947. The Baker family had grocery stores in the area for 127 years, from 1854 to 1981. — — Map (db m45422) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Union Street, on the left when traveling east.
This stone building was erected in 1864 by Frederick X. Hebrank. The basement housed a brewery which utilized a large well in the southwest corner. Family living quarters were on the first floor and the porch and second story were added at a later . . . — — Map (db m44957) HM
On Neosho Street (State Highway 177) at Elm Street, on the right when traveling south on Neosho Street.
This hardwood tree was part of the original grove that provided shelter, and wood for wagon repairs for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.
The grove was a continuous strip of timber near one mile in width with a rich variety of trees. The town of . . . — — Map (db m44824) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
This hardwood tree was part of the original grove that provided shelter, and wood for wagon repairs for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.
The grove was a continuous strip of timber near one mile in width with a rich variety of trees. The town of . . . — — Map (db m44964) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Union Street, on the right when traveling east.
This hardwood tree was part of the original grove that provided shelter, and wood for wagon repairs for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.
The grove was a continuous strip of timber near one mile in width with a rich variety of trees. The town of . . . — — Map (db m44966) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east.
Erected in honor of the soldiers who served with Company "C" 137th Infantry, World War II
Mobilized December 23, 1940 in Council Grove with men from Morris and adjacent counties. Soon expanded to include men from throughout Kansas and every . . . — — Map (db m44988) WM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Neosho Street (Kansas Highway 177), on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
"In his stock were found every known variety of goods for use on the frontier, from ox yokes and repairs to cambric needles, from small boxes of pills to barrels of whiskey."
- Conn Store Clerk William Shamleffer
For traders on the Santa Fe . . . — — Map (db m45088) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east.
has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935.
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating and illustrating
the history of the United . . . — — Map (db m44979) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Neosho Street (Kansas Highway 177), on the left when traveling west.
Council Grove has been a meeting place for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and Santa Fe Trail traders. The name "Council Grove" came from treaty negotiations that were conducted here in 1825 between Osage chiefs and U.S. commissioners to . . . — — Map (db m45465) HM
In 1825 growing traffic over the Santa Fe trail brought a government survey and right-of-way treaties with certain Indians. Council Grove takes its name from an agreement made here that year with the Osage nation. Indians farther west continued . . . — — Map (db m44940) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Neosho Street (Kansas Highway 177), on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
The Council Grove National Bank began August 23, 1878, as the Morris County State Bank of Kansas. It became a national bank in 1900.
An 1886 fire destroyed the bank, then located between the Hays House and this building. Constructed in 1887 at a . . . — — Map (db m45092) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Union Street, on the left when traveling east.
Under this tree
the treaty between
the U.S. Commissioners and
the Osage Indians was signed
giving the right of way
forever through their land
establishing the Santa Fe Trail — — Map (db m44971) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east.
The hunting grounds of the Kaw (Kansa) and Osage Indians were located here when Americans and Mexicans began hauling trade goods over the Santa Fe Trail in 1821.
In 1825, in response to traders and merchants who eagerly sought trade with . . . — — Map (db m44981) HM
On Neosho Street (State Highway 177) at Elm Street, on the right when traveling south on Neosho Street.
General George A. Custer and an element of the 7th Cavalry camped beneath this tree in 1867. The south portion of this park is part of a 120-acre farm bought by General Custer and Amos Kimball in 1869. — — Map (db m44823) HM
On Neosho Street (State Highway 177) near Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
This picture of Custer Elm was taken in 1928 and at that time the tree was estimated to be 300 years old. Dutch elm disease caused it to die in the early 1970's.
General George Armstrong Custer and his 7th Calvary [sic] regiment camped beneath . . . — — Map (db m44938) HM WM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Neosho Street (Kansas Highway 177), on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
Constructed by F. Roussillet, contractor, this building is an electic [sic] style two story brick with limestone Romanesque arches over half round stained glass windows, marble columns and a Bysantine [sic] dome. The adjacent business building was . . . — — Map (db m45090) HM
On 900th Road, 1 mile west of Neosho Street (Kansas Highway 177), on the right when traveling south.
In 1542, Fr. Juan Padilla, a Franciscan Friar, (the First American Martyr), accompanied Coranado on his expedition from Mexico some 50 years after Christopher Columbus landed in the USA and 78 years before our pilgrim . . . — — Map (db m44939) HM
The Field schoolhouse was originally located 8 miles South of Council Grove, and was moved to this site in 1999. It remains virtually unchanged since 1902, except for the enclosure of a portion of the porch in 1939. The school closed after the . . . — — Map (db m45403) HM
On Mission Street at Main Street (U.S. 56), on the right when traveling south on Mission Street.
In commemoration of the
home coming to Council Grove
June 27 - July 2
celebrating the
one hundredth anniversary
of the first pack train to pass
over the Santa Fe Trail,
led by Wm. Becknell — — Map (db m45078) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west.
The wall was built primarily because of the controversy between Council Grove and Parkerville and their fight to secure the permanent location for the county seat.
Jobs were created by both towns and workers were imported to swell the number of . . . — — Map (db m45451) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Union Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
This Kanza warrior stands as a tribute to the tribe for whom the State of Kansas is named. Also known as the Kaws, the Kanzas occupied a reservation in this area from 1848 to 1873. Today's tribal government, the Kaw Nation, is headquartered in Kaw . . . — — Map (db m44825) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Wood Street, on the right when traveling west.
Built in 1857 by Seth Hays on the site of the first permanent building (1848) in Council Grove. The original log cabin was also known as the Hays House. Used continuously as a restaurant, this building was also used for church services, court . . . — — Map (db m45133) HM
On Belfry Street near Hays Street, on the right when traveling north.
"He appears rather an intelligent man, speaks nine different languages. He has lived a Hermit some thirty five years... Last winter he lived five months in a hollow tree near Westport, Mo. He refuses to eat bread or meat; his food consists of corn . . . — — Map (db m45206) HM
On Mission Street near Huffaker Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1861 the U.S. government constructed 138 of these stone houses for the Kaw Indians. Contractor Robert S. Stevens built the huts at a total cost of $33,135.98.
The houses were situated on the diminished Kaw Reservation in or near the Neosho . . . — — Map (db m45049) HM
On Mission Street near Huffaker Street, on the right when traveling north.
"Great father, you white people treat us like a flock of turkeys. You chase us from one steam and then chase us to another stream and then to another stream. Soon you will chase us over the mountains and into the ocean
- Al-le-ga-wa-ho, . . . — — Map (db m45053) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Chautauqua Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
"Last chance for beans, bacon and whiskey."
During the 1857 trading season, this building housed a store on the edge of Council Grove. Here was the last opportunity for the trader bound for Santa Fe to purchase supplies before venturing into the . . . — — Map (db m45396) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Union Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
N.S.D.A.R. Memorial
to the
Pioneer Mothers
of the
Covered Wagon Days
The National
Old Trails Road
Here East met West
when the Old Santa Fe Trail
was established August 10, 1825
at a council between the
United . . . — — Map (db m44822) HM
On Neosho Street (State Highway 177) at Main Street (U.S. 56), on the left when traveling south on Neosho Street.
Built by Malcolm Conn for mercantile business, it was the second pioneer business erected in the present business district.
First known as "Stone Store", later as "Pioneer Store."
Travelers traveling the Santa Fe Trail were welcome to sleep . . . — — Map (db m45144) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Adams Street, on the left when traveling west.
The stone house was partially converted to a gas station in 1927 and the grounds were used for tourist camp sites. In 1929 and 1930 tourist cabins were erected. The property was shaded by large maple trees. Thus, this area acquired the name Maple . . . — — Map (db m45448) HM
On Adams Street near Main Street (U.S. 56), on the right when traveling south.
This is the site of the first tourist cabin built in Maple Camp. It was a wood-frame, stucco duplex, and was later converted into a single-family dwelling. It was razed in 1986. The cabins of Maple Camp became the first homes of many young married . . . — — Map (db m45398) HM
On Adams Street near Main Street (U.S. 56), on the right when traveling south.
Built for tourists, this cabin was originally two small, tile-block, stucco cabins. They were joined together with a wood-frame addition about 1944. — — Map (db m45400) HM
On Adams Street near Main Street (U.S. 56), on the right when traveling south.
This is one of four cabins built during World War II to house personnel serving at Herington Army Air Field, near Delavan. After the War it became a tourist cabin. Originally a duplex, it was later converted into a single-family dwelling. The last . . . — — Map (db m45401) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Wood Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
The Council Grove Lodge and Accepted Masons of Council Grove erected this two-story building of brick made in the local kiln. It was dedicated June 24, 1884.
In 1910 an agreement was made with T. W. Whiting to build an addition with the upper . . . — — Map (db m45136) HM
1821 The Santa Fe Trail is first used by travelers throughout this area.
1827 Big John Spring, now buried beneath the highway berm 100 ft. south, is discovered and named by George Sibley survey party.
1844 John C. Fremont's party, . . . — — Map (db m192211) HM
"The creek bank, which is short and steep, made of some little detention in the crossing of the wagons, they had to double teams several times. It is amusing here to hear the shouting of the wagoners to their animals, whooping and hallowing; the . . . — — Map (db m44941) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at 5th Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
"Only jail in early days on the Santa Fe Trail. Within its walls desperados, border ruffians, and robbers were held. During the Indian Raid of 1859 two Indians were taken out and hanged by a mob. A bad man, Jack McDowell, was hanged from the Neosho . . . — — Map (db m44992) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near Union Street, on the left when traveling east.
The stump before you is all that is left of a grand old oak tree that was about 270 years old when it died in 1990. The tree, which once stood 80 feet high, was located in the campground used by Santa Fe Trail travelers. It is said to have been . . . — — Map (db m44960) HM
On Union Street (State Highway 177) at Main Street (U.S. 56), on the right when traveling north on Union Street.
This was once a place of early morning racket, dust, and confusion, as wagons bound for Santa Fe rattled and jockeyed for position to form a train. Wagonmasters shouted, "Catch up!" to the teamsters - then "Stretch out!" as the wagons began to . . . — — Map (db m44942) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) near 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east.
Santa Fe Trail
Marked by the
Daughters of the
American Revolution
and the State of Kansas
Council Grove
On this spot August 10, 1825
the treaty was made with the
Osage Indians
for the right of way of the
Santa Fe . . . — — Map (db m44967) HM
Seth M. Hays was a shrewd, colorful, and successful trader, rancher, tavern owner, and publisher.
He built this house in 1867; it was elaborate for Council Grove at that time. Though he was a life-long bachelor, Hays adopted five-year-old Kittie . . . — — Map (db m45142) HM
Built by Seth Hays [b. 1811]. The first white settler in Council Grove. He lived here with his adopted daughter Kitty & his slave Sally until his death in 1873. — — Map (db m45143) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at 5th Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Built on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad right-of-way by T.W. Whiting for the convenience of his wife Allie and visitors to the Sylvan Park Ranch in northwest Morris County. This is the last known privately owned railway station and was loaned . . . — — Map (db m44993) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 56) at Adams Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
With its foundation in Kansas Territory, this house was established here, along the Santa Fe Trail as Kansas became the thirty fourth state.
History Comes Alive Here! — — Map (db m45450) HM
On Neosho Street at Columbia Street, on the left when traveling north on Neosho Street.
Originally a boarding house owned by Reverend and Mrs. Joab Spencer, who added to the 1867 three room cottage shortly after they purchased the property in 1871.
Purchased by Lewis Mead in 1870 and owned and operated by the Mead/Marks family from . . . — — Map (db m45140) HM
1871
Built for a livestock farm by Seth Hays, the first permanent white settler in this area. The Barn is 41 feet wide and 76 feet long. The rafter beams are put together with wooden pegs. The barn is constructed of native limestone. . . . — — Map (db m45041) HM
The Mormon Battalion camped here for five days beginning 27 August 1846. The battalion's more than 500 volunteers and officers had been recruited from the Mormon pioneers (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) at Council . . . — — Map (db m45056) HM WM
On 1400 Road south of U.S. 56, on the right when traveling south.
.7 of a mile south of this sign are 20 foot wide swales made from thousands of wagons that traveled the Santa Fe Trail from 1822 to 1866. Most wagons carried 5000 pounds of freight, pulled by mule or ox teams — — Map (db m60952) HM
