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
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 Broadway at 8th Street, on the right when traveling east on Broadway.
In 1859, A.G. Barrett built the "Barrett Hotel." It was located here on the corner of Eighth and Broadway. He built it of native lumber made at his sawmill on the Black Vermillion River.
This was one of the largest hotels on the Overland Route . . . — — Map (db m48596) HM
On 9th Street near Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Marysville was a home station for the Pony Express and the original building stands on its original site one block west. There, Pony Express Riders were changed as they carried the Overland Mail through 1966 miles of territory, now eight states. . . . — — Map (db m48634) HM
On Pony Express Highway (U.S. 36) near 11th Road, on the left when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
A few miles below Marysville was the famous ford on the Oregon Trail known as the Independence, Mormon or California crossing. There thousands of covered wagons with settlers bound for Oregon, Mormons for Utah and gold seekers for California . . . — — Map (db m152715) HM
On 8th Street near Elm Street, on the left when traveling south.
This barn, a Pony Express Station of 1860-61, stands on the original site. Here courageous Pony Express Riders changed mounts as they carried the Overland Mail through 1966 miles of territory, now eight states.
Russell, Majors, Waddell . . . — — Map (db m48631) HM
On Old U.S. 81, 0.3 miles south of Comanche Road, on the right when traveling south.
In 1825 President James Monroe approved a bill providing for the survey of the Santa Fe Trail from Missouri to New Mexico and the making of treaties to insure friendly relations with Indians along the route. A mile west of this sign, on Dry Turkey . . . — — Map (db m53059) HM
On 13 May 2003, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, proclaimed the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System in Kansas, as the "Purple Heart Trail." This trail memorializes those heroic service members who have had the Purple Heart medal bestowed on . . . — — Map (db m223497) HM WM
On N Road (U.S. 54/160) at 19th Road, on the right when traveling east on N Road.
In 1879, George W. (Hoodoo) Brown built a Road Ranch on the Jones and Plummer Trail at a place called "The Wells" on Crooked Creek just east of the present-day site of Meade. He built a sod house for his store and another for his family, as well . . . — — Map (db m65544) HM
On Wood Street near 4th Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
This brick street was laid in 1907 using bricks from Caney plants that were part of the early industrial expansion.
This street has been preserved as a memorial to the citizens of Caney who were major contributors through oil and gas exploration . . . — — Map (db m57849) HM
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 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) 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 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) 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) 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 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 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 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
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) 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
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 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
On U.S. 56 west of Trim Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
The Cimarron Cutoff, or Dry Route, of the old Santa Fe Trail extended southwest from several Arkansas River crossings to the Cimarron River, a distance of 50 to 60 miles. This route was a perilous stretch of arid plains known as La Jornada. . . . — — Map (db m210687) HM
On Acorn Road (U.S. 75) 0.8 miles 280th Road (State Highway 246), on the right when traveling south.
Near here the towns of Plymouth and Lexington once stood as outposts on the Lane Trail, approximated today by US-75. Named for abolitionist James H. Lane, the trail was established in 1856 to bypass proslavery strongholds in Missouri and provide . . . — — Map (db m52952) HM
On Main Street at 4th Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
Captain John E. Smith was Seneca's first entrepreneur. In 1858 he built a simple hotel and tavern on this site. He also built a wooden bridge over the Nemaha River that bypassed the risky ford crossing two miles north at Richmond. These . . . — — Map (db m63795) HM
On 20th Road, 5.5 miles east of Ottawa Road (U.S. 59), on the right when traveling east.
The Oak Grove School was built facing the only road that existed here in 1877 the Osage Trail. Prior to 1865, the Neosho River valley (including the site where you now stand) was part of the Osage Reservation. At one time a large Osage village . . . — — Map (db m229750) HM
It all started over trade that promised great profits. Once Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821 Americans were welcomed and encouraged to trade. Trade quickly flourished, creating opportunities and profits linking the economies of Missouri . . . — — Map (db m40127) HM
On State Highway 156, on the left when traveling west.
The Kanza Indians left their homelands east of the Mississippi River during the 1600s. They settled into what is today the northeast part of Kansas. Waterways provided sustenance for their people and were part of the tribe's culture. The success . . . — — Map (db m95883) HM
On Oregon Trail Road, on the left when traveling east.
The "Great Military Road" from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley, joined the Oregon Trail at Smith's Ferry on the Kansas River, in the 1850's, and both followed a path originally traveled by fur trader, James Clyman in 1827. After passing through . . . — — Map (db m243673) HM
On East Bertrand Avenue (U.S. 24) at Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Bertrand Avenue.
The Great Military Road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley, as well as the Oregon Trail, passed through Saint Mary's in the 1850's. Military traffic, emigrants on their way West, settlers, and stage coach lines also used this route. Stage . . . — — Map (db m122964) HM
On Lincoln Avenue at 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on Lincoln Avenue.
Having crossed Rock Creek, on a rocky bottom immediately below the dam at Louisville, the Military Road proceeded southwesterly to about the middle of section 30, at which point the road continued southwesterly toward Manhattan. A branch of the . . . — — Map (db m145874) HM
On Oregon Trail Road, on the right when traveling east.
East of this marker is where the Military Road and the Oregon/California trail crossed the Vermillion River. The crossing was named for Louis Vieux, who was of Native American and French descent. He established a toll bridge there in the 1850s . . . — — Map (db m246356) HM
On Oregon Trail Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Native Americans called the Oregon Trail The Great Medicine Road of the Whites as they watched countless thousands of white-topped wagons and seemingly endless moving of troops. Here at the Vieux Crossing was the first major campground west . . . — — Map (db m246353) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
The Oregon Trail was the main street of the west from the 1830's to the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Farmers, townsmen and restless Americans from all walks of life moved along this route seeking a better life in a . . . — — Map (db m80948) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
Historians have estimated that between 250,000 and 300,000 emigrants used the Oregon Trail between 1840 and 1869. At least 30,000 emigrants died along the Oregon Trail, leaving an average of 15 graves for every mile of the trail. Disease, . . . — — Map (db m80946) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
The reservoir before you taps into the famous Scott Spring. The original outlet emanates from the base of a steep rock hill to the east. The refreshing water of Scott Spring offered abundant drinking water to many travelers on the Oregon Trail and . . . — — Map (db m80945) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
Native Wild Flowers Western Wheatgrass Sideoats G[r]ama Little Bluestem Switchgrass Big Bluestem Indian Grass
These seven small plats represent the majority of the grass and forb species that dominated the 52 million acres of tall . . . — — Map (db m80928) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the right when traveling south.
From the 1830's to the 1870's, the 2,000-mile road connecting Missouri river towns with California and Oregon was America's greatest transcontinental highway. Several routes led west from the river, converging into one trail by the time the Fort . . . — — Map (db m80927) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
The long journey overland to Oregon took about six months. Time, distance, and hardships seasoned the emigrants. They had the ability and had earned the right to mold their own destiny in the new land. The Oregon Trail became a vital part of the . . . — — Map (db m80949) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
Wagons for trail travel were of the simplest construction. They cost $85.00 each. They were light, strong and carried on sturdy wheels. It was recommended that wheels be made of bois-d-oro, osage of orangewood or white oak. Bolt ends should be . . . — — Map (db m80947) HM
On The Road to Oz Highway (State Highway 99), on the left when traveling south.
There were many unpredictable hazards on the trail as the wagon trains moved westward. The trail itself presented the worst problems. Streams had no bridges and had to be forded. Their shifting bottoms with pockets of quicksand were dangerous. . . . — — Map (db m80959) HM
On Main Street west of 3rd Street, on the left when traveling west.
Though the first known westbound wagon train led by William Sublette passed this way in 1827 following an old Kanza hunting trail, the Oregon Trail would not be well defined until 1842 when the report of John C. Fremonts expedition became the . . . — — Map (db m81187) HM
On Main Street near Avenue B, on the left when traveling south.
This rare two-story auto facility housed the Hutchinson Auto and Tractor School in the 1920's. WWII sailors danced at the Oak Leaf Ballroom on the 2nd floor. — — Map (db m53366) HM
On U.S. 36 near Cloud Street, on the left when traveling west.
Long before white men settled Kansas this region was the home of Pawnee Indians. French traders in the late 1700's named those along this river the Republican Pawnee in the mistaken belief that their form of government was a republic. From them the . . . — — Map (db m53412) HM
On Poyntz Avenue at 12th Street, on the right when traveling west on Poyntz Avenue.
After crossing the Blue River and entering Riley County at the foot of Poyntz Avenue, "The Great Military Road" proceeded west to this point, where it angled off southwest passing through Theodore Roosevelt School grounds, Longs Park, and . . . — — Map (db m122967) HM
On State Highway 96 at Whippet Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 96.
Established in 1867, the Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail, which passed near this spot, was first used by the military and some civilian traffic in 1868. The following year Alexander Harvey, a former member of the Sixth Cavalry, built a trading post on . . . — — Map (db m89567) HM
On State Highway 232 near the west edge of Wilson Lake Dam, on the right when traveling south.
[History related excerpts from the marker]
Side A
The Midland Hotel
in Wilson was built in 1899 as the most magnificent facility in the Midwest. Featured in the 1973 movie Paper Moon, the hotel was recently restored back to its . . . — — Map (db m54294) HM
On Ash Street at 10th Street, on the right when traveling west on Ash Street.
The M60 Main Battle Tank was developed to take the place of the aging M48 Patton Tank. It began production in 1959 and included an improved 105mm Main gun instead of the 90mm and a 750 cu. in. diesel engine instead of the gas engine of the . . . — — Map (db m57174) HM WM
On Oakdale Drive, on the left when traveling south.
In 1918 this gateway was erected as a memorial to Civil and Spanish War veterans. The bronze statue on the left is a Union soldier while the one on the right is a Rough Rider. The original gateway was 12 feet apart and included a folding bronze . . . — — Map (db m92188) HM WM
On East Iron Avenue at South 4th Street, on the right when traveling east on East Iron Avenue.
Site of
first free ferry on Smoky Hill River 1858-1867
Commemorated by
Saline County Chapter
Native Daughters of Kansas
December 10, 1933 — — Map (db m122952) HM
Near the Campus Teardrop north of the intersection of Santa Fe and Otis Avenues.
In the U.S. Army of long ago, the mule-skinner was the wagon driver who was dedicated to the job of getting supplies through to the fighting men in the field. The Mule-Skinner Club of St. John's Military School was organized in 1967.
Through . . . — — Map (db m63446) HM
On Broadway, 0.3 miles north of I-235 Exit 15, on the right when traveling north.
At the close of the Civil War when millions of longhorns were left on the plains of Texas without a market, the Union Pacific was building west across Kansas. Joseph McCoy, an Illinois stockman, believed these cattle could be herded over the . . . — — Map (db m61125) HM
On Stackman Drive at Sim Park Drive, on the right when traveling north on Stackman Drive.
This marker locates the original confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. On August 15, 1865, near this point Jesse Chisholm met with the Plains Indian chiefs and headmen to agree on a treaty signing which occurred the following . . . — — Map (db m60589) HM
On Broadway at the Arkansas River, on the right when traveling south on Broadway.
Built by State Highway Comm. of Kansas
Named in honor of John C. Mack
State Highway Commissioner of
the Fifth District at the time
of its authorization
State Highway Commission of Kansas
Arkansas River Bridge
U.S. Highway 81. . . . — — Map (db m56426) HM
On Western Drive north of 7th Street, on the right when traveling north.
Approximately four-tenths of a mile south of this fountain and marker on Seymour S. Rogers' homestead was the original hand-dug well which gave Liberal its name.
In 1885 Rogers began offering free water from this well to settlers and . . . — — Map (db m65696) HM
On Railroad Street (U.S. 24) east of Shawnee Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Fort Riley Trail (northern route) passed by this spot beginning in 1853 when the Fort was established. The trail came from Fort Leavenworth. Mounted and foot soldiers used this northern route because the river valley silt and sand would not . . . — — Map (db m122969) HM
This log building depicts a small blacksmith shop in the 1800's. A blacksmith created tools, railings, fences, horseshoes, weapons and cooking utensils and was an important and necessary part of pioneer life. Anthony Ward was a wheelwright and . . . — — Map (db m65028) HM
Travelers on the Oregon Trail encountered the first major obstacle of their journey when they reached the Kansas River. In 1842, Joseph and Louis Pappan established a ferry operation across the river. The ferry, at one time, was directly behind . . . — — Map (db m65025) HM
Kansas is a land of trails. Even before Kansas became a state in 1861, many people and animals traveled through the area. It is the north-south route for migratory birds. Elk and bison cut paths looking for rivers and other water sources. Native . . . — — Map (db m48660) HM
