Big Springs, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Springs, Kansas
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Big Springs along Highway 40 (2008)
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 Big Springs, Kansas
Location in Kansas
Big Springs, Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Douglas |
| Named for | Nearby springs |
| Elevation | 1,102 ft (336 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 785 |
| FIPS code | 20-06750 |
| GNIS ID | 484942 |
Big Springs is a small, unincorporated community in the northwest part of Douglas County, Kansas, United States. An unincorporated community means it doesn't have its own local government, but it's still a recognized place. It's known for its interesting past, especially during the early days of Kansas.
History of Big Springs
The first people settled in Big Springs in the fall of 1854. The town was started by William Harper and John Chamberlain. Before it was a town, Big Springs was a popular spot for travelers to get water. This was because of the natural mineral springs nearby. The town was even named after these springs!
On September 5, 1855, something very important happened here. Big Springs hosted a "free-state convention." At this meeting, brave men decided they would protect their homes. They wanted to keep Kansas a "free state," meaning it would not allow slavery. They were ready to defend themselves from people from Missouri who supported slavery.
The first church sermon in Big Springs was given in 1855. Reverend W.A. Cardwell preached in Ephraim Banning's log home. Just one year later, in 1856, the first church building was constructed. Also in 1856, the town got its first post office. Schooling for children also began that year in the town hall. The post office eventually closed in 1903.
Big Springs never grew very large. Its population stayed around 40 people for a long time. This was partly because no railroad tracks ran through the town. Railroads were very important for towns to grow back then.
A fun fact about Big Springs is that T. J. Custard was born here. He was the first American citizen born in Douglas County.
Today, Big Springs has a water tower, a tool shop, a church, and a fire station. The fire station is part of the Lecompton Township Fire District 1. If you wanted to send mail to Big Springs, you would use the mailing address for Lecompton.
Education in Big Springs
Students in Big Springs attend schools that are part of the USD 450 Shawnee Heights School District. This school district is located in Tecumseh.
Transportation in Big Springs
US Highway 40 is a main road that goes right through the community of Big Springs. This highway helps connect Big Springs to other towns and cities.
