Piqua

The town site of Piqua began with the coming of the St. Louis, Ft. Scott, and Wichita Western Railway. "Piqua" received it's name from the superintendent of construction of the Railroad, he being from the County of "Pickway," Ohio. The early settlers of the Piqua community came from the most part, from the states of Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Missouri. Piqua at one time had a hardware store, general store, Blacksmith shop, 2 hotels, a grist mill, bank, restaurant, furniture store, 2 churches, and a coffin maker. The St. Martina Catholic Church and steeple are both historic landmarks. Built in 1884, the church as beckoned travelers for over 100 years.

Piqua is best known for being the birthplace of the "Great Stone Face, Buster Keaton" (Joseph Frances Keaton). his parents, Joseph and Myra Keaton, were traveling with the great magician, Harry Houdini and his medicine show, when Myra gave birth to Buster. It has been said that Mr. Keaton received his name from the great Houdini. When Keaton was a baby of only six months, he fell down a flight of stairs. Houdini shouted, "What a Buster" and that is how Mr. Keaton received his name according to some sources. Others say he received his nickname from a Mrs. Ulrick of Piqua, and still another source says he was thrown by his father and uncles with such force that he was "Buster". At any rate Piqua is proud to be known as the birthplace of "Buster Keaton" and invite you to tour the Buster Keaton Museum.

To: Woodson County