1904 World's Fair Bandstand Lamp. Location: Grounds of Carroll House Museum, 1128 5th Ave, Leavenworth: This lamp topped the bandstand at the Saint Louis World's Fair in 1904. The stand was brought to Leavenworth and erected on the grounds of the National Home For Disabled Volunteer Soldiers by Aldophus Busch of brewing fame. It was demolished in 1961 and the lamp given to the museum.
Quarters of General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Student, Command and General Staff College, 1925-1926. Location: Otis Hall, Kearney Ave., Fort Leavenworth. In August of 1925 Major and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower (USMA 1915) and three year old son John moved into Apartment N02-C in Otis Hall. Major Eisenhower's base pay was $230 at that time officer students were required to ride horseback two afternoons a week. Introduction of liquor onto the post was prohibited. The college course was very competitive, the strain was considerable as evidenced by an occasional suicide. Graduating students were rated as honor, distinguished or graduate. On the Fort Leavenworth golf course Major Eisenhower first picked up a golf club. His improvement in golf was slow, in academies fast. Major Eisenhower graduated at the head of his class. He became the supreme allied commander in Europe during World War II. He was elected the 36th president of the United States twenty six years after graduation. Erected 1967.
Site of Old Bridge. Location: Sherman Ave., Fort Leavenworth. Second Bridge across the Missouri. Leavenworth and Kansas City Missouri were keen rivals for the first bridge across the Missouri river. Kansas City was chosen because of its geographic location. But Leavenworth did not give up. Citizens succeeded in interesting a group of Netherlands financiers who built the second bridge across the Missouri at this point in 1872. It was used by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroads for many years. Later the bridge was floored for vehicular traffic, when fire damaged it in 1914. It was bought by the Department of Justice for access to prison farms in Missouri. Leavenworth's new centennial bridge to the south opened in 1955, resulted in the dismantling of the old bridge in 1964. Erected 1967.
Offices of Russell, Majors and Waddell. Location: 4th & Delaware, Leavenworth. A frontier freighting firm located in Leavenworth. In the years 1855-1861, this firm was a major factor in the settlement of the west. Using thousands of teams, and both wagons and stagecoaches, it hauled supplies, and passengers to Army posts and settlements west of Fort Leavenworth. Members of the firms started the Leavenworth and Pike's Peak Express Company, which later became the Central Overland California and Pikes' Peak Express, parent company of the celebrated Pony Express of 1860-1861. Erected 1967.
Leavenworth Times, Oldest Daily Newspaper in Kansas. Location: 5th & Seneca, Leavenworth. . Founded by Robert Crozier, the first issue of the times was March 7, 1857. In its early years the paper was owned and published by several Leavenworth civic leaders for short periods. In 1871, the Leavenworth Times was bought by Colonel D. R. Anthony who established the Leavenworth Conservative in 1861 and at that time four Leavenworth daily newspapers were consolidated into the surviving Times. For almost 100 years, the Leavenworth Times was owned and published by a D. R. Anthony, four generations of that name having been at the helm. In 1967, the last surviving Anthony sold the newspaper to Thompson Newspapers Inc. Historians find the files of the Times invaluable for coverage of Kansas's early territorial days of turmoil and settlement. Erected 1967.
Carroll Mansion, (Leavenworth Historical Museum) Location: 1128 5th Ave., Leavenworth.. In the early 1860's John Foster bought the farmland and house that is now Leavenworth's Museum. The farm was transferred to Lucien Scott a banker in 1882. Mr. Scott added the front part to the house and his architect George McKenna carved the beautiful interior woodwork. Edward Carroll, President of the Leavenworth National Bank, purchased the property in 1889. It was a center of gracious living until 1964 when his daughter Ella Carroll, gave the house to the Historical Society. Erected 1967
Home of David Josiah Brewer. Location: 5th Ave. & Middle, Leavenworth. David J. Brewer, distinguished jurist, lived in Leavenworth from 1858-1889. He served as judge of the First District Court of Kansas 1865-1869, Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court 1871-1884, judge of the U. S. Circuit Court 1884-1889 and justice of the U. S. Supreme Court 1889-1910. Justice Brewer was one of Leavenworth's most prominent citizens; a member of the Board of Education 1864- 1869 and superintendent of schools 1865-68. David Brewer school is named in his memory. Erected 1967.
Old Soldiers Home (Veterans Administration Center). Location: 4101 S. 4th St, Leavenworth. Visitors are welcome. In 1884, Congress authorized the establishment of a Western Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Leavenworth citizens contributed $50,000 and 640 acres of land and the home was opened here September 1, 1885. For years the blue of Civil War Uniforms mingled with the Khaki of the Spanish American War to be followed by mufti when uniforms were no longer required. Since 1930 the center has operated as a hospital and domicilary for our country's war veterans. An imposing monument in the cemetery commemorates over 12,000 of our military dead. Erected 1967.
Mother House, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Location: 4100 S. 4th St. Leavenworth. Founded by mother Xavier Ross, November 11, 1858. At the request of Bishop J. B. Miege S. J., Vicar Apostolic of the Indian Territory, the Sisters of Charity came by Riverboat to Leavenworth where they established Saint Mary's Academy 1858, Saint John's Hospital 1863 and staffed Saint Vincent's Orphanage and Schools. From the beginning the institute expanded to operate 91 schools, hospitals and other facilities in the United States and one each in Bolivia and Peru. mother Xavier, 1813-1895 who died here is buried in Mount Olivet cemetery on this site. Erected 1967.
Home of Frederick Henry Harvey 1835-1901. Location: 7th & Olive, Leavenworth. Fred Harvey, founder of the restaurant chain that bears his name lived here from 1883 until his death. The family occupied the residence until 1945. It was transferred to the Leavenworth Board of Education in 1949. Harvey pioneered well-prepared meals served in spotless surroundings to railroad travelers. They were such an improvement over the primitive and un-sanitary eating houses and hotels of the day that they became an immediate success. In 1967 the Fred Harvey system extended from the Great Lakes to the Pacific. Erected 1967
Leavenworth County Courthouse. Location: 4th & Walnut,
Leavenworth. After passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, May 30, 1854,this area was
swiftly settled. The county was organized in 1855. Taking its name from General Henry
Leavenworth who established the nearby fort in 1827.
In a county seat war, Leavenworth was victor over rivals Kickapoo and Delaware in 1857. At
first county offices were located in the city hall. The first courthouse building
completed on this site in 1879 was destroyed by fire in 1911. The replacement structure
built in 1912 was remodeled in 1951. Erected 1968.
Leavenworth City Hall. Location; 5th & Shawnee, Leavenworth. Leavenworth was founded in June, 1854,although it was not incorporated until the following summer during the territorial struggle which flared between pro-slavery and free state forces. The city was the scene of many incidents which contributed to the reputation of "Bleeding Kansas." At this location Leavenworth first municipally owned city building, the market house, was opened in 1858. City business was conducted on the second floor. Merchants including several butchers operated stalls-renting for $30.00 a year on its first floor. The present city hall was built in 1924. Erected 1968.
Bell Hall. Location: The United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth. In 1881 General William Tecumseh Sherman established at Fort Leavenworth the School of Application for Infantry and Cavalry. In 1907 the title was changed to the Army School of the Line, in 1922 to the General Service Schools, in 1929 to the Command and General Staff School and in 1947, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College. The College is the oldest of the Army's advanced schools and in the keystone of the Army's officer educational system. The primary objective of the college is the preparation of selected Army officers for duty with the Army in the field in time of war. With emphasis on the art of command, Generals Marshall, McArthur, Eisenhower, Arnold, Bradley and a long list of the nation's great commanders were developed on the heights overlooking the Missouri River at Fort Leavenworth. Founded in the day of the horse soldier the college has gained world-wide prestige as a school of higher military education. Through June, 1968, 47,850 U. S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, And Air Force officers had completed resident courses here. From 1908 to 1968, 3,119 foreign officers from 74 different nations also completed resident courses. Now at the threshold of the space age, the college continues to maintain pace with the latest developments to prepare our military leaders of tomorrow. Erected 1968.
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. Location: 7th & Seneca, Leavenworth. Saint Paul's, the oldest church in Kansas was the site of the first consecration of any church the first confirmation of a child and the first ordination of a priest. From 1837 to 1856, a mission served both the Fort and City. On December 10, 1856, three episcopal communicant organized a parish with the Reverend Hiram Stone as Pastor. The church was named Saint Paul's as fostering care was extended by Saint Paul's church of New Haven Connecticut. The present church was built in 1864. It was added to in 1872. The total cost of the church and addition was $13,000. Erected 1970.
"The Star of the West" Saloon. Location: 400 Block of Shawnee, Leavenworth. Here stood one of the most famous saloons of the west. The building, called Kunz's Hall and built in 1869 also housed the Kansas Freie Presse, a German Language newspaper and the H.J. Helmers barbershop. The saloon was named "Star of the West" in 1871. Here leading statesmen, military men, plainsmen and business men met and here they discussed the many issues of the day. In those discussions a city and a state matured. Even after Kansas adopted constitutional prohibition in 1880, the Star of the West continued to be a saloon until 1887, when it became known as a "Restaurant and reading room", The name was discontinued in 1896. Erected 1970.
Leavenworth Fire Bell. Location: Leavenworth County Museum, 1128 5th Ave. Leavenworth. - This bell hung over the market house and city hall from 1869 to 1924 when the building was razed. For 55 years it announced a fire by rapid ringing and , after a pause, named the ward where the fire was located. It rang the hour on the hour and at nine the curfew sent the young ones home. Many an early day citizen took his last ride to slow peals of our bell. Erected 1970.
Bishop's Residence. Location: 5th & Kickapoo, Leavenworth. From 1859 to 1864 John Baptist Miege, S. J. Bishop of the Indian lands built the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Leavenworth. It burned in 1961. The Parish was founded August 15, 1855. In 1863 Bishop Miege built the bishops residence and chancery office. The upper floors were used as a residence and school for training young priests. Erected 1974.
Lincoln Spoke Here. Location: 4th & Delaware, Leavenworth. Campaigning for the presidency of the United States, Abraham Lincoln crossed the Missouri River from Saint Joseph to Elwood, Kansas Territory, on December 1, 1859. From there he was driven in a horse drawn buggy to Leavenworth. On December 3, 1959, he spoke in Stockton Hall, then occupying this site. This speech was his first major political address that led to his nomination and subsequent election as president of the United States. Here Lincoln first proclaimed the principles incorporated in his famous speech at Cooper Institute, New York, the following February. Lincoln left Leavenworth on December 7, 1859 and returned to his home in Springfield Illinois. Erected 1974
Oldest Bank in Kansas. Location: 2nd & Delaware, Leavenworth. In this building in 1856 Lucien Scott and John Kerr opened a private bank, Scott-Kerr and Company. In 1874 it was merged with the First National Bank of Leavenworth which had been established in 1863. The First National Bank holds National Charter #182. It is the oldest bank in Kansas and the oldest National Bank west of Saint Louis. The First National bank operated at 4th and Delaware until 1966 when it moved to 7th and Delaware. Erected 1976?
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. Location: 400 block of Kiowa, Leavenworth. Pioneer church in Leavenworth, commemorating the 115th Anniversary, 1861-1976. Presented by the Historical Society of Leavenworth, June 1976.
Haymarket Square. Location: 7th & Cherokee, Leavenworth. In 1866, this area was given to the city to be used by farmers selling their products. For sale were hay, wood, live poultry, eggs, hand churned butter, farm smoked hams, and bacon, and fruits, and vegetables in season. Horses and mules were traded. Here was the city scale. The watering trough, essential for the watering of animals, became the focal point of the square. Later, when farming became specialized, generally only one type of crop per farm was produced. This food was sold through huge markets. The farmers market was abandoned and the square became an automobile parking lot in 1949. Erected 1977.
The Landing. Location: 200 Block of Delaware, Leavenworth. In the 1850's, 60's, and 70's, with thousands of settlers pouring into Leavenworth by Riverboat and train, the landing area housed banks, hotels, saloons, offices, stores and livery stables. As the city grew away from the river and river travel disappeared, the buildings deteriorated. In 1976, V. B. Greenamyre purchased the area. The structures were restored for shops and office space and for use as a community center. Erected 1979.
Leavenworth's Union Depot. Location: 123 Esplanade, Leavenworth. Leavenworth in the 1860's and 70's was a bustling boom town. Riverboats arrived almost daily and railroads were extending north and west carrying settlers, their property and supplies. Later three railroads built passenger stations, but the largest and finest was the Union Station built in 1881. When passenger travel slowed in 1963, the station was purchased by V. B. Greenamyre as the headquarters for his enterprises. Erected 1979.
First Park In Kansas. Location: North Esplanade Historic District, Leavenworth. In the plat of the town of Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, filed December 20, 1854 in the Surveyor General's Office at Fort Leavenworth, the proprietors of the town donated to the public, "the perpetual use and benefit of all that portion of ground on this plat marked Esplanade" thereby establishing the first public park in Kansas. Entered on the National Register of Historic Places, December 12, 1976. Erected 1979.
The Meyers Hotel. Location: 220 S. Main, Tonganoxie. Built in 1879, the building was purchased by Mary Jane (Mollie) Myers in 1894. She and her family operated it as a hotel and restaurant until 1934. Mollie became known throughout the area for her wonderful dinners. Dinner and breakfast with lodging was $2.25. In 1924, General J. J. (Blackjack) Pershing and staff dined here. Erected 1982.
Round Prairie Union Church. Location: U.S. Hwy 73 north of Leavenworth. The church was erected and dedicated by Chamberlain Presbyterians in 1894. As time went on Presbyterians became fewer in number and people of other religions moved into the area. Services became non-denominational. In 1917, the Union Church was chartered and while the building title remained with the Presbyterians, it was given for use by the Union as long as it remained a church. Erected 1983.
Sacred Heart Church. Location: Kickapoo. In 1836, the first Catholic church in Kansas Territory was built of logs in Kickapoo. Jesuit priests braved great dangers and extreme hardships to bring the message of salvation to Kickapoo Indians then in this area. The log church was replaced by a frame building in 1873, the cemetery was established in 1875 and in 1912 the present church was dedicated. Erected 1983.
Congregational Church of Tonganoxie. Location: 303 E 4th St., Tonganoxie. The first congregational church was organized on September 23, 1868, meeting in the home of the founding pastor, the Reverend H.E. Woodcock. The congregation then met in the schoolhouse until 1872 when the present church was built. The Reuter organ was installed in 1948. Erected 1983.
Kansas State Penitentiary. Location: Main St., Lansing. The Kansas State Penitentiary was authorized in the constitution of Kansas which was adopted in 1859. The first state legislature in 1861 established the original site of the penitentiary within the bounds of Leavenworth County and awarded the County of Leavenworth a contract to board and guard prisoners. The first of 2538 acres was purchased by the state on November 19, 1861. The penitentiary was fully operational in 1876, and has been in continuous use since that time. Erected 1983.
Delahay House. Location: 3rd Ave., Leavenworth. Built in 1859, the house was purchased in 1863 by Mark W.Delahay, the publisher of the Territorial Register, an early free soil newspaper. A sixth cousin of Abraham Lincoln, Delahay invited Lincoln to dinner and to speak in Leavenworth on his visit here. On 12 December, 1859, Delahay introduced Lincoln at Stockton Hall. As president, Lincoln appointed Delahay as the first Solicitor General for Kansas and Nebraska. Erected 1983.
Saint John's Lutheran Church. Location: 2 miles south of Potter, Kansas. Saint John's congregation was chartered in 1880 and a church erected. In 1896 the congregation had grown and the present church was built. The old church became a school and then a parish hall. The parsonage was built in 1884, the cemetery was started in 1906. Services have been held continuously since the establishment of the church. Erected 1984.
Leavenworth Public Library. Location: 5th & Walnut, Leavenworth. In 1899 the city of Leavenworth voted a tax levy for a library. Women's clubs by fund-raising activities accumulated $3,000 and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie contributed $10,000. The total was enough to build and equip the facility. The library opened in May 1902. Leavenworth's Carnegie Library was the first to be funded in Kansas, and is among the last to serve in its original structure. (Now the Carnegie Art Center, new library erected in at 5th & Spruce) Erected 1984.
Easton Methodist Church. Location: Main Street, Easton. Started 1858. The first class of the Easton Methodist church was started in 1858 by a circuit rider Reverend W. Marlott was the first pastor assigned in 1862. In 1869 stone was quarried from a hillside one mile west of Easton to build the present church and the hall was added in 1926. Erected 1984.
Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Location: 300 N. Broadway, Leavenworth. Saint Joseph parish was founded by Bishop John Baptist Miege in 1858. The first church, a frame building facing Osage Street was dedicated on July 10, 1859. On October 9, 1864, Bishop Miege transferred the parish to Carmelite fathers who had recently arrived from Germany. Saint Joseph's was the first house of the Carmelite Order in the United States and Canada. A national parish for German Catholics, the German language was used in the liturgies into the the 20th century. The present brick church was dedicated on June 18, 1871. Erected 1984.
First Missionary Baptist Church. Location: 120 N. Broadway, Leavenworth. The first missionary baptist church was organized in 1857 five years before President Lincoln issued the proclamation of emancipation. Reverend Dennis Jones led a struggling membership of freed men and women at third and Pottawotamie streets. Other property was purchased in 1860, but fire destroyed the building. Worship continued in a frame building at the site. A charter was granted in 1874. In 1911, J. J. Baskins began construction of the present edifice with funds totaling, 1,676.25. It was completed in 1915. Reverend J. W. Hays was the pastor. Erected 1985.
Chapel, VA Medical Center. Location: 4101 S. 4th St., Leavenworth. This unique chapel was built in 1893. Architect Louis Curtis of Kansas City designed the structure after an old Gothic chapel he had seen in England. It has served veterans of all wars from the Mexican War (1848) on. The beautiful stained glass windows depict both religious and patriotic themes. Protestant services are held in the upper level Immanuel Chapel and catholic in the lower level, Holy Ghost Chapel. Hours open are from dawn to dusk daily. Erected 1985.
Sacred Heart Church. Location: 2d Ave., Leavenworth. On August 16, 1885, the Most Reverend Louis M. Fink, OSB issued a decree for the establishment of Sacred Heart Parish and appointed the Reverend Thomas J. Downey as pastor. The parish extends from south of Spruce Street to the north line of Mount Calvary Cemetery. This present church was dedicated on November 24, 1927. It represents many years of faith, hope and charity carried in the hearts of parishioners, past and present. June 30, 1985 celebrated it 100 years of existence. Erected 1985.
Leavenworth Masonic Hall. Location: 400 Block of Delaware, Leavenworth. The original Masonic lodge chartered in Kansas in 1856. From July 14, 1856 through October 21, 1888 nine lodges were established in Leavenworth County. Building association chartered July 31, 1913. Cornerstone laid and dedicated May 10, 1914. Erected 1985.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Location: 209 N. 7th St., Leavenworth. On 25 August 1861 the first Lutheran service in the county was delivered in the Methodist Church in Kickapoo. The congregation was organized on 9 March 1862 and a church was built on Delaware Street. In 1880 a second church was built at Seventh and Miami which was later replaced by the present structure dedicated in 1911. Services were in German and English. A Lutheran parish school was started in 1863. The present school building was built in 1967. Erected 1985.
Saint Joseph of the Valley. Location: County Road 17. Between 1865 and 1867, Bishop Miege sent priests to Mount Olivet to serve the French, German and Irish Catholics. In 1863, Father Heimann organized the parish and church was built in 1867 by Father Butler. Three churches ensued due to enlargement, tornado and fire. The present church was built in 1933. SJV parish remains a symbol of the pioneer spirit that implanted seeds of faith and education in this county. Erected 1986.
Saint Mary College. Location: 4100 S 4th St, Leavenworth. - Plaque dedicated in September 1998.
Basehor United Methodist Church. Location: 2826 155th Terr., Basehor. In 1877 the Zion Church was founded by the German Society of Methodists. land for a church was transferred to the Society by Leopold Neudick and his wife in 1878. The first church was built by volunteer labor and the first services were held in 1878. A Sunday school was organized in 1895. In 1899 the church was moved to its present location in Basehor and in 1901 a parsonage was built and occupied until 1972 when it was removed. The church was added to in 1911. Erected 1986.
First Presbyterian Church. Location: 407 Walnut St., Leavenworth. Reverend B. M. Hobson of Lexington, Missouri, a Presbyterian, preached in a grove of elms near third and Miami in the summer of 1855. On 1 January 1856, the Reverend C. D. Martin of Philadelphia organized the first Presbyterian Church with nine members. The group reorganized May 1857 and built the first church in July 1857 except for the Indian missions. This was the first of the denomination in Kansas. A larger church was built in 1871 on Delaware between 6th and 7th. By 1885, all Presbyterian bodies of the city, Cumberland United and Westminster had merged with the First Presbyterian. The present edifice was completed and dedicated on 3 January 1909. Erected 1986.
Fairchild/Know Home. Location: Museum Complex, Highway 24/40, Tonganoxie. Mr. Frank Fairchild built the home in 1884 and pioneered a Dairy Operation which was featured in World Geography in 1913 as the largest in Kansas. The dairy was the first to use mechanical milking machines. A nearby spring furnished water to 19th century travelers going between Lawrence and Leavenworth. Mrs. Mildred Young, a granddaughter, has deeded the home to the Tonganoxie Community Historical Society for a planned museum. Erected 1987.
Riverfront Community Center. Location: Delaware & Esplanade, Leavenworth. Old Union Depot Built in 1888 by James A McGonigle. In 1984 V. B. Greenamyre and family gave the building to the city of Leavenworth. In 1985 a bond issue was voted to renovate the building and build additional facilities. A half cent sales tax was approved to pass the bonds and support the center. The Riverfront Community Center is to be used by all the people of Leavenworth and their guests. Erected 1988.
Little Stranger Church. Location: County Road 5. Little Stranger Church was built in 1867 by a Christian Congregation that had moved from Farley, MO. They had come to settle on land purchased from the U. S. Government. The present road covers the ruts made by wagons of travellers on the Santa Fe Trail. Vacated in 1918, the church has become a community center for the people of the Boling area. Erected 1988
Springdale Friends Church. Location: Springdale. The first Friends meeting west of the Missouri River was held in 1856. The first church was built in 1859 and was replaced by the present sanctuary in 1883. The movement of Quakers to Kansas began in 1854 when a decision was made to locate on Government land that was opening. The records of the church contain an account of their settling in Leavenworth County. Erected 1988.
Davis Funeral Chapel. Location: 6th & Shawnee, Leavenworth. This building was the first site used by the I.O.O.F. in Kansas. The cornerstone was laid in 1867. Later renamed Davis Hall, the upper floor was used for local political meetings. In 1975 the premises were included in the inventory of historic sites by the Kansas State Historical Society. Since 1911, the building has been the location of one of the state's oldest continuous business establishments, the Davis funeral chapel. Founded in 1855 by James B. Davis, followed by Thaddeus Davis, former mayor James C. "Big Hearted Jim" Davis, Margaret Davis Moulden, first woman elected to public office in Leavenworth and Clarence E. "Pete" Moulden. In 1988 the Davis Funeral Chapel Inc. is under the management of the fifth generation, Davis T. Moulden. Erected 1988.
Knights of Columbus Hall. Location: 4th & Delaware, Leavenworth. Land for the building was purchased from the U. S. Government in 1857 by William H. Russell of Lafayette County Missouri. The building was built in 1873 by James A. McGonigle for Francis Fitzwilliam. It was financed through the German bank of Leavenworth. The cost of the building was $12,000. The local chapter number 900 of the Knights of Columbus was formed in 1904. It is a fraternal and charitable organization for Catholic men. Erected 1988.
High Prairie Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1861. Location: County Rd 29 & Eisenhower. The first church located 1 mile north and 1/4 mile west of the present church housed the church on the first floor and Masonic Lodge 25 on the second floor. This structure was destroyed by fire or wind. The second church, a log building was located 1/4 mile east of the first church and was destroyed by fire. The present church, the Gospel Tabernacle of High Prairie was built in 1895 and is still in use. Erected 1989.
Biringer's Sporting Goods. Location: 6th & Shawnee, Leavenworth. Biringers was founded in 1859 by John Biringer and was located in Leavenworth first at 109 Delaware and then on Third Street between Shawnee and Delaware. Each location was destroyed by fire. In 1864, the present building at 601 Shawnee was purchased and the business grew from a local, small gunsmith shop to a supplier for the state militia. After the Civil War reconstruction period, the business expanded into bicycles and locksmiths. In 1925 fishing equipment was added. John Biringer's son Frank continued the business until 1942 when a nephew, J. Biringer Miller took over the business operating it until 1968. At that time Mr. & Mrs. Duane Wise purchased the business and have continued to the present day. Erected 1989.
Hubbel Hill Cemetery. Location: Tonganoxie. The Tonganoxie Cemetery commonly known as Hubbel Hill Cemetery was donated by James and Catherine McKeehen (Original Land) and the oldest marked grave is dated 1868. The Cemetery Lot holders in 1888 incorporated and Ezra Hubbel was appointed Chairman. The Tonganoxie Cemetery was officially dedicated on December 26, 1889 with R. W. Freeman Chairman. Since 1942, the George Robb Family has been instrumental in the up-keep of the cemetery. Erected 1991.
St. John Hospital. Location: 3500 4th St., Leavenworth. In 1864 the first civilian hospital in the state of Kansas was opened in Leavenworth. St. John's Hospital was established by the religious order of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Sr. Joanna Bruner was the hospitals first director. She was the first professionally trained nurse in Kansas. Originally located on 7th and Kiowa, the hospital moved to its current location on South Fourth Street in 1964. Erected 1991.
Cushing Hospital. Location: 711 Middle St., Leavenworth. Philanthropist Harriet Smith Cushing 1826-1897 settled in Leavenworth in 1865 and opened a Home of the Friendless in 1868. The home served, as its name implied, as a refuge for all sorts of unfortunate people. Realizing the need for skilled nurses, Mrs. Cushing opened a two year training school in connection with the Home Of the Friendless. Twenty years later the school was approved by the Kansas Board of Registry. With that recognition, graduates were officially recognized as registered nurses. In 1894, Mrs. Cushing's dream of building a hospital in Leavenworth was realized. Rebuilt in 1931, Cushing Memorial Hospital continues to serve the Leavenworth Community and stands as a living memorial to Harriet Smith Cushing and her motto "Dedicated to Caring" Erected 1991.
St. Casimir Parish. Location: 719 Pennsylvania, Leavenworth. In 1888 a group of Polish emigrants from Westphalia, Germany settled in Leavenworth. As the Polish population grew they organized Saint Casimir Men's Society in 1889 to maintain their cultural-religious heritage. Bishop Louis Fink gave permission for the Construction of a National Polish Catholic Parish in 1893 and appointed Father Alexander Smietana the first Pastor of Saint Casimir Church, work on the present church building began that summer. Despite difficult economic times, the parishioners did most of the work themselves by the light of the moon and lanterns after a hard day's work in the factory or mine. The church was completed and dedicated in May, 1894, at the cost of $7,000. Its beginnings were humble its trials were many, but through steadfast faith and preserverance the people of Saint Casimir Parish contributed to the educational, religious, cultural and economic growth of Leavenworth, Kansas. Dedicated to Posterity by the Leavenworth County Historical Society, 1993.
Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Depot. Location: 781 Shawnee, Leavenworth. The depot, built in 1887, served the Santa Fe's passengers as well as passengers from Kansas City, Leavenworth and the Western Railway Interurban Trolley until the late 1930's. It also accommodated Santa Fe Freight Operations until 1982. In 1983 Charles E. Jaster purchased and restored the depot. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Erected 1993.
Ackenhausen Saddlery Company Building. Location: 2nd & Delaware, Leavenworth. - In Leavenworth's early days this building was the home of the Charles Ackenhausen Saddlery Company. Mr. Ackenhausen was a prominent and progressive citizen and a great benefit to Leavenworth after immigrating from Hanover, Germany. In 1858 he worked as a cabinet maker. In 1879 with his brother he formed the Saddlery Company, which sold harnesses and saddles throughout the area. He later became owner of the business and operated it with his sons Alfred, Charles, and Otto. The company occupied the entire south side of Second and Delaware until Charles Seniors death in 1916. When the business was closed. Mr. V. B. Greenamyer and family purchased the building in 1976 and restored it for modern use. Erected 1995.
Lincoln Steps. Location: Leavenworth County Historical Society Museum, 1128 5th Ave., Leavenworth. Abraham Lincoln addressed one of the largest assemblies in Kansas Territory from these steps on December 6, 1859. The steps were originally at the Planters Hotel located on the northside of Shawnee, between the Levee and Main (Esplanade). Five months later, Lincoln was nominated for the Presidency. The Lincoln steps were salvaged from the Planters Hotel in the late 1950's. Erected 1996.
Nathaniel Burt Home. Location:1200 5th Avenue, Leavenworth. The Burt home was constructed in 1895 for Nathaniel Henry Burt, president of the Great Western Stove Company. It was designed by William Feth, a local architect who also designed the Leavenworth County Courthouse and other local historic structures. The house is Queen Anne Victorian with Colonial Revival elements. It is known for its classic wood detailing and large stained glass windows. The Nathaniel Burt home was listed on the Kansas and National registers of Historical Places in 1987. Erected 1997.
Vories House. Location:1044 Fifth Avenue, Leavenworth.William
Merrell Vories was born in this house on October 28, 1880. As part of the YMCA Missionary
Program, he went to Omihachiman, Japan in 1905 and remained a missionary,businessman,
architect, social worker and educator in Japan until his death in 1964.
During Mr. Vories tenure in Omihachiman, Japan, he established the Christian Omi
Brotherhood to support his christian missionary work. Mr. Vories became a very successful
entrepreneur, establishing the Vories Architectural Company (1907) and the Omi Sales
Company (1920).
Mr. Vories is credited for designing over 2,000 western-style buidlings in Japan, Korea
and China. He also established the Omihachiman YMCA, the Omi-Brotherhood Pharmaceutical
Company (maker of Mentholatum), the Omi Sanitarium and Hospital, intially for the
treatment of tuberculosis and the Omi Christian School System. All of these entities still
exist today.
After World War II, Vories was instrumental in negotiations between General MacArthur and
Emperor Hirohito and is credited with Hirohito remaining as the emperor after the
occupation of U.S. Forces.
Mr. Vories' accomplishments are legend to the Japanese people. Numerous Japanese tourists
visit this house and Leavenworth annually. In 1997, the city of Leavenworth and the city
of Omihachiman became sister and brother cities, based on the common bond of William
Merrell Vories.
Erected by the Omi Brotherhood and the Leavenworth County Historical Society in 1998.
Last Update: 2 February 1999.
Your comments are welcome, send them to: