Click here for a map of the driving tour sites

Osawatomie -
The “Town Between Two Rivers” was known as an “Abolitionist Nest” and headquarters of John Brown.

Mills House - William M. Mills was an oilman from Pennsylvania who drilled more than 400 oil and gas wells in his lifetime. He drilled the Norman Number One well in Neodesha, KS. It was the first successful commercial oil well west of the Mississippi and opened up the mid-continent oil field, one of the most important oil fields in the United States. In 1902, he built this Queen Ann style house designed by architect George Barber. It cost $49,000 dollars to build and is on the National Register of Historical Places. The home has more than 7,000 square feet of floor space, nine fireplaces, elaborate woodwork and ornamental ceilings. The house is now a private residence. 212 First Street

Asylum Bridge - The Asylum Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was built in 1905 by the Kansas City Bridge company of Kansas City, MO, for $4,800. The pin connected reverse Parker Truss structure is 219 feet long and 16.5 feet wide. The bridge originally had gaslights at each end. No other examples of this bridge design have been found to date. It has been closed to vehicle traffic since the 1970s. Located at the Marais Des Cygnes River and First Street.

The Jayhawk - The legend of the Jayhawk states that early one autumn morning in 1856, Pat Devlin, a free state Irishman, rode into Osawatomie with his saddlebags laden with considerable goods. As he tied his horse in front of the store, one of the men standing nearby said to him "Pat, it looks like you have been foraging." Pat, as he mounted the steps replied: “Yes, I have been over in Missouri jayhawking." When asked what he meant by the expression, he said that in the old country they had a bird that worried its prey before devouring it. He added that what he had been doing was jayhawking. This is the only known origin of the word. Located on the southwest corner of 5th and Main streets

Republican Party in Kansas - The Kansas Republican Party was organized by Horace Greeley at the Osage Valley Hotel. He addressed over 5,000 people who assembled in and around the hotel for the occasion. Located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Main streets

Osawatomie History Museum - The museum displays Osawatomie's rich railroad history in an exact reconstruction of the original Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot. The museum features a restored caboose, the last wood sheathed metal caboose produced. In addition, the museum features other aspects of Osawatomie's heritage and history in an adjoining building, including pre-Civil War, rural culture, and he town's social history. Located at 628 Main, (913) 755-6781

Old Stone Church - Reverend Samuel Adair and his son, Charles, built the Old Stone Church from area native stone. Reverend Adair's wife, Florella, John Brown's half-sister, raised the money from friends and relatives in Ohio to build the church. The church was dedicated on July 14, 1861. Reverend Adair was a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War and the first chaplain at the Osawatomie State Hospital. The church was renovated and rededicated on July 14, 1963, as an all-faith chapel. The church is now used for special meetings and weddings. Intersection of Sixth and Parker Streets, (913) 755-6961

First Land Office - The Land Office was built in 1854 and contained the land patent office of H.B. Smith and his brother, who were the first land patent agents in Kansas Territory. The Trail of Death plaque, a memorial to the Pottawatomie Indians, who were forced to leave their ancestral lands in Indiana and settle in the Osawatomie area in 1838, is on this site. The Osawatomie Historical Society operates a tourist information center during the summer in the land office. Intersection of Sixth and Lincoln streets, (913) 755-6781

Creamery Bridge – This bridge is one of two Marsh Arch triple span bridges in Osawatomie. The other one spans Pottawatomie Creek at Sixth Street. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. James B. Marsh's patented design used rainbow arches that expanded and contracted with the bridge floor. The Creamery Bridge was built in 1930 and has a rainbow span reaching 1,940 feet in the air at its highest point. The Pottawatomie Bridge reaches 120 feet in the air. The bridges are two of only eight Marsh Arch triple span bridges remaining in Kansas. Below the bridge, along the banks of the river, spoonbill fishermen gather to snag this prehistoric species of fish. Snaggin' Day's are from mid-March to mid-May. The Osawatomie Dam, on the Marais Des Cygnes, is one of only three places in Kansas to snag for spoonbill in season. Located at the Marais Des Cygnes River at Eighth Street

Soldiers Monument - The Soldiers Monument was dedicated on August 30, 1877 before an audience of 10,000 people to honor the five Free State men killed in the Battle of Osawatomie on August 30, 1856. The monument is the grave of Frederick Brown, George W. Partridge, David Garrison and Theron Parker Powers. Charles Kaiser's body was never found, but his name appears on the stone. John Brown's name appears on the monument, but his grave is in North Elba, New York. Located at Ninth and Main streets

John Brown Memorial Park and John Brown Museum State Historic Site - The site encompasses the area known for the Battle of Osawatomie. John Brown and 30 Free State guerillas defended the town against an attack by John Reid and 250 proslavery militiamen in the largest battle during the Bleeding Kansas era. The 23-acre park features the John Brown Museum State Historic Site, where a stone pergola encases the Adair Cabin, the home of Reverend Samuel Adair and his wife, Florella, the half sister of John Brown. The cabin was built in 1854 and was John Brown's informal headquarters during his war against slavery in Kansas Territory. The cabin and other exhibits offer a trip into the violent struggle over slavery that made Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri the "Cradle of the Civil War." The park was dedicated in 1910 by former President Theodore Roosevelt who arrived on a Missouri Pacific train and gave his famous New Nationalism speech. The John Brown Museum State Historic Site is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at Tenth and Main streets, (913) 755-4384

Osawatomie State Hospital - Rev. Samuel Adair was influential in starting the state’s first “insane asylum,” a sanctuary for mentally ill patients. The facility was constructed on land where John Brown once herded cattle. Boston Architect John Gideon Haskel, also a distinguished Union Quarter Master, designed and built the asylum after serving in the 3rd Kansas Volunteers. Mental Health Reformer Dorothea Dix visited the hospital in 1869. The facility still functions as a widely recognized model of mental rehabilitation and service. The D.O. Bacon Art Gallery in the administration building is worth a visit. Driven mad by the Kansas sun, Bacon was a patient in 1900. Supplied with brush and paint, he recreated scenes from his life on the walls of his room. 500 State Hospital Drive, (913) 755-7000.

Fontana -
This small community is bound by the Marais des Cygnes River.

City Park – In the center of town, the park offers a shelter commemorative flag pole and picnic areas. The square was renovated in 2008 as part of the city’s 150th birthday celebration. Bounded by North Avenue on the north, Finch Avenue on the south, Stephens to the west and Johnson to the east

Fontana Cemetery – The Fontana Cemetery is one of the oldest in Miami County. With its close proximity to Missouri, there are many Civil War veterans buried there. The east portion is the oldest section and some of the stones are now unreadable. There are also Spanish American, WWI, WW II, Korea and Vietnam veterans buried there. Located south of 383rd Street and east of Osage Street

Paola -
The competition for county seat status was fierce between Paola and Osawatomie. The matter was decided by a horse race to Topeka.

Wea Mission Monument – The mission was operated by the Presbyterian Mission from 1834 until 1838. The government bought the mission later selling the property to the Wea Baptiste Mission, which had been established by David Lykins and his wife, Abigail, and a teacher, Sarah Osgood. The Wea Baptiste Mission existed until 1857. At that time, the property was sold to Robert and Alice McGrath. The McGrath family later sold the property to the Carrothers family in 1945. The Carrothers and heirs deeded these 1.6 acres to the City of Paola for historic preservation. A stone and bronze monument of Baptiste Peoria was erected by the Miami County Medical Center on the hospital grounds honoring this site. Located east of Baptiste Drive and north of 311th Street.

Park Square - Baptiste Peoria’s Paola Town Company sold the land at the center of Paola with the stipulation that no building would ever be erected on this site. Baptiste Peoria, Chief of the Confederate tribes, made the transaction possible. As a result of the stipulation, the county’s courthouse was not built in the center of square but rather a block to the south. Native Americans and Indians used this place for horse racing, times of hearing and other events. The park features a gazebo designed by George Washburn, the famous architect from Ottawa, KS. The square also features a Trail of Death plaque honoring the Potawatomie Nation and the Spanish American Monument. Two gas lights, one on each side of the gazebo, honors Paola’s history as the first town west of Finley, Ohio, to commercially use gas. Near the gazebo is a bust of Baptiste Peoria and Mary Ann Isaacs Dagenet, the first settlers and founder of Paola. It is believed to be the only monument in the United States that features a Native American and his wife together. Bounded by Peoria Street to the north, Wea Street to the south, Silver Street to the west and Pearl Street to the east.

Swan River Museum – Consisting of more than 6,000 square feet, the museum houses the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne exhibit. Artifacts from this historic mission are on display depicting the Potawatomie Indian Nation. Paola’s Presbyterian Wea Mission artifacts, the Native American artifacts from tribes located in Miami County, Early pioneer history, medical history and many family historical artifacts. The museum is also the home to The Hunt-Russell Genealogy Library, one of the fines research libraries in the Midwest. 12 E. Peoria, (913) 294-4940

Ursuline Academy and Paola Cultural Center - Established in 1894 as the home of Ursuline Catholic sisters. The first building constructed was an academy in 1895. The Mother House was completed in 1904 and the Community Center in 1916. The site includes almost 40 acres. Portions of the site remain private property. 701 E. Miami, Paola. (913) 557-2349

Miami County Courthouse – Built in 1898 for $66,152.75, this red brick structure was built and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Based on Romanesque architecture, it was designed by George Washburn. The interior features quartered oak with a natural finish. More than $500,000 was spent in the late 1970 to restore its splendor. Time capsule artifacts that were uncovered in 1998 are on display at the Miami County Historical Museum. 120 S. Pearl Street

Paola Cemetery - The cemetery has gravestones of early Native American Indians such as Baptiste Peoria’s relatives, Civil War veterans, both north and south. Famous families and individuals who helped shape Paola’s future. Intersection of Miami and West Streets

Veterans Memorial – Constructed to honor any man or woman living, or has lived in Miami County, who dedicated their lives to our country. Featuring a wall for all veterans and bricks that can be dedicated to veterans of Miami County past or present. Located on the northeast corner of the intersection at Baptiste and Hospital Drives

Mitchler Springs -- This was the stopping point for hundreds of years for thirsty travelers, most of whom were Native Americans. The Wea Village near this spring was the first attempt for a permanent settlement in 1837. This spring supplied water to Paola for their needs. The Osage Indian River Company and Baptiste Peoria’s trading post as located at the spring. A cupola relocated from the Ursuline Academy now covers the spring. It is located on private property. Located at 305 N. Pearl Street

Wallace Park -- Purchased by the city in 1911, this beautiful park has often been mentioned as one of the most beautiful parks in Eastern Kansas. Located at the intersection of Bring your lunch for an enjoyable day in this historic park on Osage Street and Wallace Park Drive.

Jackson Hotel -- Designed and built in 1920 by George Washburn at the cost of $50,000. This hotel originally contained 50 rooms. It is presently being renovated by its present owners. The Jackson Hotel, named after Lucy Jackson, is presently on the state and national historic registers. Located on private property. 125 W. Peoria

Hitch-n-Post Museum – A private museum, it displays some of the rarest early American farm related artifacts, vintage autos and many other unique items. Located on private property. 204 W. Peoria, by appointment only, (913) 294-9755.

Patterson Circus Home -- The Patterson headquarters was established in 912. On the main line of three railroads, Paola was an ideal location for the show. The site included 125 acres for the circus’ winter location. It was the Patterson’s home until 1926. Located on private property. 600 N. Mulberry

Oldest Building on the Paola Square -- This Civil War period building was constructed in 1863. It recently had a new roof installed. After taking off seven layers of roofing material, it was discovered that the original roof was intact. Located on private property. 14 W. Peoria

Gail’s Glass -- This building constructed in 1901 was the original site and home of the Western Spirit Newspaper. It was one of the oldest in Miami County. Located on private property. 16 E Peoria

Louisburg -
Louisburg was first known as “Little St. Louis” to distinguish it from St. Louis, MO. The Wea Indians laid claim to this land through treaties with the US.

Frontier Scenic Military Byway - US Highway 69 parallels an old Military Road built in 1836 which carried soldiers and supplies from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Scott.

Louisburg Cemetery - A new addition housing a memorial to veterans is located on the cemetery’s west end. A cannon used during the Civil War is located within the cemetery. Located at the intersection of K-68 and South Rogers Road

Round House – This structure was used as a port of entry to Kansas in the 1940s. Once a Victorian home’s front porch fixture, it has served as both a business office and as living quarters. Located south of Shoreline Drive and east of Metcalf

Cedar Cove Feline Conservation Park - Marvel at the beauty of Siberian tigers and mountain lions. There is a picnic area with a three-acre stocked lake and meeting space in the Education Center. Call ahead for a guided educational tour. The park is seasonally opened and dependent on favorable weather conditions. Located at 3783 K-68 Hwy. (913) 837-5515

Powell Observatory - Open to the public Saturday nights to view the shimmering wonders of the night sky. May through October with educational programs offered. Reservations are suggested for larger groups and private viewing. Admission fee. Located in Lewis Young Park north of 271st and west of Jingo Road. 913-438-3825

Louisburg City Park – A quiet place for the family, the park features picnic tables, lots of shade trees, children’s play equipment and a tennis court. Located at 4th and Vine Streets

Louisburg City Lake – A beautiful place to get some exercise, the lake features a 1.5 mile paved walkway around an attractive lake Located at Metcalf Road and Shoreline Drive

Spring Hill

Original City Jail -- Constructed by A. H. Starbuck in 1926, the jail served as temporary housing for the lawless. Fabricated of strap iron, the jail was housed in the city building on North Main Street, but is now on display in the City Park. The site is located on Spring Hill’s original downtown and includes a playground and picnic area. Bounded by Nichols Street to the north, Hale Street to the south, Washington Street to the west and Jefferson Street to the east

City Lake – Public fishing is available at the lake. Permits are required. Located south of 199th Street and west of Lone Elm Road, (913) 592-3664

Spring Hill Cemetery – A final resting place for many, remains buried in the cemetery include Celia Ann Dayton, a native of Vermont. She is believed to be the first woman doctor in Kansas. She arrived in Spring Hill in 1859, with her adopted son, Hiram Eugene, who was also a doctor. Located west of the intersection of Lawrence and Harrison streets

Historic Downtown District – The State of Kansas recognized this area for its significance to the community. The one-block district includes buildings built as early as 1896. The area developed as the community’s second downtown. In the early 1870s, the railroad was a greatly anticipated opportunity, but the Missouri River, Fort Scott and Gulf Railroad threatened to bypass Spring Hill if the town didn’t cough up $15,000 to grade the land at the original town’s site. Spring Hill residents declined to share the costs and proceeded to move the downtown district one-half mile east to meet the new rail line. Located on Main Street between Hale and Nichols streets

Places In Between -

Hillsdale Lake - This state lake is literally swimming in history. The lake was built over Quantrill’s path from the Lawrence raid, Pomona Indian settlements, a stopover on “The Trail of Death,” and several early town sites. The Visitor’s Center houses an educational display. Fishing, boating, hiking and camping. 26000 W. 255th St, Paola, (913) 783-4366

Hillsdale Cemetery – This cemetery includes resting sites of Union Soldiers. South of 225th Street and east of Grant Street.

Flood Marker - In 1951, the Marais des Cygnes River swelled with rains and rose above 50.3 feet. A high water marker attests to this deluge. Located north of 343rd Street one-half mile east of Columbia Road.

Louisburg Cider Mill - Meander into the unique Country Store for Lost Trail Root Beer, freshly made cider doughnuts and apple folklore. Tours available. 14730 K-68 Highway, (800) 748-7765

Miami State Fishing Lake - Miami State Lake dates back to 1931, when a private sportsman group was managing it as a 90-acre duck marsh. Kansas Wildlife and Parks purchased the lake in 1941 to be managed as a state fishing lake. It 101 acres of water bounded by about 150 acres of timbered hillsides and the Marais des Cygnes River. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, fourteen earthen piers, and a vault toilet are available for lake users. Open to the public with permit. Located 359th Street west of Somerset Road, (913) 783-4507

Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake - The Louisburg-Middle Creek State Fishing Lake was built as a water supply source for the City of Louisburg through a cooperative agreement between the City, the Soil Conservation Service and Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Construction and final agreements for the operation and maintenance of the lake were completed and signed in 1986. Hunting opportunities on the 220-acre upland habitat surrounding the lake includes, deer, squirrel, turkey, bobwhite quail, and rabbit. Waterfowl also provide hunting opportunities on the lake itself. Facilities include access roads, a double boat ramp, two vault toilets, gravel pullouts for camping, picnic tables, and fire rings. Electricity and drinking water are not available. Located south of 335th Street on Metcalf Road. (913) 783-4507

Middle Creek Theatre – This family-owned retreat provides live country and western music at Rutlader Outpost & RV Park. Located at 33565 S. Metcalf, (866) 888-6779

Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery – A family-owned vineyard and winery, Somerset takes pride in making handcrafted, premium wines from Kansas grown grapes. Visitors can sample and buy the award-winning wines on site. Tours available. Located at 29725 Somerset Road, (913) 491-0038

New Lancaster – The site of the first school in the county is now home to the New Lancaster Methodist Church. A bell from the school remains at the site. Located at 36665 New Lancaster Road, (913) 757-2732