LASR - body

Traders and settlers heading west would have been just one day out of Independence or Westport, Missouri, when they came into this area. From the pages of their diaries they speak to us today about their first night on the prairie at Lone Elm campground, the point where the trails divided, the dangerous crossing at the "Narrows," and the beauty of the Kansas prairie as seen for their first time.

The story of the Santa Fe and Oregon-California trails is closely tied to the history of Kansas. Trade with the Spanish Southwest began in 1921 as William Becknell established the route leading to Santa Fe. For more than fifty years the Santa Fe Trail was traveled by traders, military units and
fortune seekers. Between 1840 and 1870, a quarter of a million Americans crossed the continent on the Oregon-California Trail. These pioneers followed the Santa Fe Trail out of Independence or Westport, Missouri, and then turned north just outside of Gardner, Kansas.

We invite you to share our area's rich history. Visit two authentically restored museums. Experience the beauty of the tallgrass prairie. Walk in the ruts created by thousands of wagon wheels. Friendly folks in each community will accommodate you on your modern-day overland trail adventure.

Visit EDGERTON

A drive through Edgerton recalls the spirit that brought life to Kansas in the 1800s. Change and challenge have kept Edgerton alive. FRom the restored 1904 brick Grange Hall, which presently houses the community center and city offices, to the 1896 Assumption Catholic Church with its gold leaf bell tower, the historical past and bright future blend. In 1870, the town of
Lanesfield relocated to Edgerton because of its railroad access. Lanesfield's restored schoolhouse is just northeast of town, near the site of the 1856 Battle of Bull Creek. In 1890, Mrs. W.H. Kelly and an all-female council were elected, one of the first in the state. In 1906, the town of Edgerton
burned but, in keeping with its spirit, was quickly rebuilt. We invite you to explore Edgerton's colorful past and promising future.

Visit GARDNER

A vibrant community, Gardner was laid out along the Westport branch of the Santa Fe Trail in 1858. The Santa Fe and Oregon-California trails divided southwest of town. The Santa Fe Trail is marked at the intersection of Shawnee and Elm streets, and the Oregon Trail is marked at Washington and Elm. Harkey House, listed on the Register of Historic Places, was home to William C. Harkey, who practiced medicine at the turn of the century. Gardner has survived free-state and pro-slavery confrontations, drought, grasshoppers, and fire. Today, Gardner is home to the Johnson County Fair, the Spring Festival and Christmas in the Park.

Visit OLATHE

A hot meal and a resting place welcomed many a weary pioneer following the trails through Olathe. Named in 1857 after the Shawnee Indian word "beautiful", Olathe (o-lay-tha) was designated the county seat and today offers a contrast with its rich trail history and recent dynamic growth. Today, you won't want to miss a tour of the Mahaffie Farmstead, which served as a
stagecoach stop with three main lines from 1865 to 1869. Watch a play in the restored 1858 church that houses the community theater honoring native son and silent screen star Buddy Rogers. Drive tree-lined Park Street and see beautifully restored Victorian homes. Stop and try on custom-made boots and learn about Olathe's rich cowboy boot tradition that fitted many an ordinary cowpuncher as well as stars like Will Rogers and Clark Gable. Explore the Kansas tallgrass prairie and wildflowers preserved at the Prairie Center, and take a nature escape at the Ernie-Miller Nature Center. Or enjoy a day of sun and fun a Olathe's newest attraction, Golfland/Sunsplash.