Historical Walking Tour

404 N 7th Street
The William D. Fulton family moved into this house from their homestead in September of 1884. William and his brother, James, were the first to file on land in (Sequoyah) Finney County. Garden City was named for the beautiful garden that Mrs. Fulton grew.

Sunnyland
501 N 5th - Built in 1909 for the D.R. Menke family, this grand home held modern innovations like central vacuuming, several plush bathrooms and a ballroom on the third floor. Menke and his family came to Garden City in August of 1878 and opened the first general store. At the time of their arrival, there were but two buildings in town. He was the first postmaster, installed the first telephones and built the town's first electric light plant. Sunnyland is now a bed and breakfast

508 N 6th
Ciddie Fulton Stevens, daughter of William and Leticia Fulton - town founders, made this Colonial Revival style house her home after her husband, John Stevens, passed away. This house is especially noted for its refurbished carved trim of the Ionic colonnades on the wood pedestals, an original front door with oval plate glass, painted wood floors and honey-oak staircases.

902 N 6th
Built in 1907 by J.D. Garloch at an estimated cost of $6,031 for lawyer and senator William H. Thompson. It is commonly known as the "Senator Thompson house" and is of Neoclassic style with Queen Anne influences and Greek Revival details. It is the only house representative of this style in Garden City and one of the few that maintains a high degree of architectural and structural integrity and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

508 N 7th
Built in 1902, this was the original home of R.M. Lawrence who came to Garden City in 1887 to establish a coal business. He was the first president of the Industrial Club, a forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce. Lawrence played an instrumental part in bringing the sugar beet factory to Garden City.

Silk Stocking Row
Recently names to the Nation Register of Historic Places, this row of homes (901 N 7th, 907 N 7th, 909 N. 7th, & 911 N. 7th) were built by people (ranchers, businessmen, and civic leaders) who were involved in the development of Garden City and Finney County. It is called "Silk Stocking Row" because of the elegant nature of the residences. The houses are significant for the architectural styles representing Colonial Revival and Prairie School.

Stevens Park
Main and Pine - John A. Stevens, one of the city founders and Civil War veteran, gave this land to the county originally for a permanent courthouse. In 1891, the citizens failed to vote bonds for a courthouse and after discussion with Stevens, it was designated as a public park. The park truly took hold in 1905, with a donated fund of $250 for improvements. The concrete band shell was added in 1931, replacing the wooden frame one. The Cannon that rests in Stevens Park was aboard the battleship California during the Civil War.

Windsor Hotel
Main and Pine - This four story hotel was sometimes referred to as the "Waldorf of the Prairies". In 1887, John A. Stevens built the hotel next to the Opera House (the Opera House no longer exists). it was built of native stone and brick kilned locally. It contained 125 rooms, no closets and few bathrooms.

The most remarkable feature of the hotel is an interior court in the center of the mezzanine, with a full length skylight at its vaulted ceiling. Balconies of carved mahogany balustrades surround the court on three sides. In April of 1972, the Windsor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was closed as a hotel in 1977. Tours by appointment 316-272-3664 or 316-276-3264 (Fee)

Buffalo Block
The building at the corner of Main and Grant (north side), known as "Jones Marble Block", was built in 1885 by C.J. "Buffalo" Jones. The Buffalo Hotel, located on the second floor, almost immediately outgrew its quarters. In 1886, Jones built the building to the west and moved the hotel operation. These rooms were elaborately furnished. Both buildings were constructed of white stone quarried at Kendall, Kansas.

Grant and Lincoln Buildings
On 8th street at the end of Grant Avenue. Notice the dates and names on the top of each building.

Courthouse
500 block N 8th - The first courthouse in Finney County was built in October, 1885, at this location. The county soon outgrew this small building and in 1902 was moved to a larger building at 113 South Main Street until the present courthouse was built in 1929. C.J. "Buffalo" Jones Statue in front of the courthouse describes highlights of Jones' life inscribed on the base.

Ninth Street Finnup Family Residences
Frederick Finnup and family moved to Garden City in 1879. He invested in the town by purchasing deeds to operate a lumber yard and a furniture and clothing store. The family prospered in the land business and were generous to the community with gifts of land and other assets. The homes are located:

401 N 9th Street
Purchased by George Finnup in 1902.
405 N 9th Street
"Finnup House". This house is available for small group meetings and tours. Call 276-3032.
501 N 9th Street
"Cedar Cliff". Build for Edward Finnup.
510 N 9th Street
Edward and Marie Finnup's first home.
515 N 9th Street
Possibly one of Garden City's oldest homes, still in its original location, this remodeled home was the homestead residence of C. J. "Buffalo" Jones.

103 N Main
The granite marker at this site identifies the location of the United States Land Office, established in 1883.

To: Finney County
To: Garden City