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National Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, Kansas facts for kids

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Map of Kansas highlighting Morris County
Location of Morris County in Kansas

Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Morris County, Kansas, there's a special list of these amazing spots! It's called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about the past. Morris County has 26 places on this list, and one of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is extra special!


Historic Places in Morris County

Big John Farm Limestone Bank Barn

This huge stone barn was built between 1871 and 1872 near Council Grove. It's 76 feet long and 40 feet wide, with walls that are two feet thick! The roof is made from strong native oak. A famous early settler, Seth Hayes, likely paid for its construction.

Oscar Carlson House

Located in Burdick, this unique farmhouse was designed and built in 1930 by Swen Johnson and Oscar Carlson. It's a one-and-a-half-story bungalow with many cool built-in features inside.

Cottage House Hotel

The Cottage House Hotel in Council Grove is a historic building that has been a part of the town's story since 1888. It's located at 25 North Neosho Street.

Cottage House Hotel - (8217687428)
The historic Cottage House Hotel

Council Grove Carnegie Library

This beautiful library building in Council Grove was built with help from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who funded many libraries across the United States. It opened in 1903 and is located at 303 West Main Street.

Carnegie Library Council Grove, Kansas
The Council Grove Carnegie Library

Council Grove Downtown Historic District

This special area in Council Grove includes 71 historic buildings. They date from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. The oldest building, Conn Mercantile, was built in 1853. It was a general store and a resting place for travelers on the famous Santa Fe Trail.

Council grove 2006
A street in the Council Grove Downtown Historic District

Council Grove Historic District

Named in 1825, Council Grove became important when government officials signed treaties with the Osage Indians. These treaties helped make sure travelers on the Santa Fe Trail could pass safely. This historic district covers a wide area and includes many important sites related to the Santa Fe Trail.

CouncilOakatCouncilGrove
The Council Oak, a significant spot in the Council Grove Historic District

Council Grove Missouri, Kansas and Texas Depot

This train station in Council Grove was built in 1894 for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, also known as the "Katy" railroad. It's designed in the Victorian style, which was very popular at the time.

MKT Depot Council Grove, Kansas
The old MKT Depot in Council Grove

Council Grove National Bank

First opened in 1878 as the Morris County State Bank, this bank became the Council Grove National Bank in 1900. After a fire in 1886, a new building was completed in 1887. It was designed by local architect J. H. Leedy.

Morris County State Bank
The Council Grove National Bank building

Diamond Spring

Located about six miles west of Wilsey, Diamond Spring was a very important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. It was a reliable source of fresh water for travelers and their animals in the dry plains.

Farmers and Drovers Bank

This historic bank building in Council Grove is located at 201 and 203 West Main Street. It has been a significant part of the town's business history for many years.

Farmers and Drovers Bank and Indicator Building (8217689776)
The Farmers and Drovers Bank building

First Baptist Church of Council Grove

The First Baptist Church in Council Grove is a historic religious building. It stands at 325 West Main Street and has served its community since its construction.

First Baptist Church - Council Grove
The First Baptist Church in Council Grove

Four Mile Creek Lattice

This historic structure is a bridge over Four Mile Creek, located southeast of Wilsey. It's an example of older bridge construction techniques.

Furney Farm

The Furney Farm is a historic property located at 649 East K-56 near Council Grove. It represents the agricultural history of the area.

Seth Hays House

Seth Hays arrived in Council Grove in 1847 and became a successful merchant. He later owned the famous Hayes House tavern and hotel. His brick home, built in 1866-1867, was where he lived with his adopted daughter, Kittie Parker Robbins Hayes, and his housekeeper, "Aunt Sallie" Taylor. Today, the home is a museum and part of the Council Grove Historic District.

Seth hays house
The Seth Hays House

Hermit's Cave on Belfry Hill

This interesting site in Council Grove is a cave located on Belfry Hill. It's known as the Hermit's Cave, suggesting it was once a secluded dwelling.

Jenkins Building

The Jenkins Building is a historic structure in White City, located at 101 West Mackenzie Street. It has been an important part of White City's downtown area.

Last Chance Store

The Last Chance Store, located at 500 West Main Street in Council Grove, was a vital stop for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. It was often the last place to buy supplies before heading into the wilderness. It is also part of the Council Grove Historic District.

Last Chance Store
The historic Last Chance Store

Little John Creek Reserve

This land, south of Council Grove, was a special reserve for the Kansa Indians from 1846 to 1873. It was also the childhood home of Charles Curtis, who later became a U.S. Senator and even the Vice President of the United States!

Old Kaw Mission

The Old Kaw Mission, at 500 North Mission Street in Council Grove, was a school and mission for the Kansa Indians. It played an important role in the history of both the Kansa tribe and the early settlers.

OLD KAW MISSION
The Old Kaw Mission

Simcock House

The Simcock House is a historic home located at 206-208 Columbia Street in Council Grove. It's an example of the residential architecture from its time.

Six Mile Creek Stage Station Historic District

This historic district near Burdick was once a stagecoach station. Stage stations were important stops where travelers could rest, change horses, and get fresh supplies during long journeys.

US Post Office-Council Grove

The United States Post Office in Council Grove is a historic building located at 103 West Main Street. It has served as the town's main post office for many years.

William Young Archeological Site

This site near Council Grove is an important archeological location. Archeological sites help scientists learn about the lives of people who lived in the area long ago, often through studying old tools, pottery, and other artifacts.

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