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Old Castle Museum Complex


category : Museums
Old Castle Museum Complex The 3-story native sandstone Castle was the first home of Baker University, Kansas' oldest 4-year college. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , it was built in 1857 and 1858, at a cost of $3,200 and includes native wood - mostly walnut - woodwork. It provided a "sight to behold" for pioneers traveling the historic Santa Fe Trail during the 1850s and 1860s who could see it for miles over the treeless prairie before their rumbling wagons actually came alongside it.


It now houses an outstanding museum of the University and Baldwin as well as the Santa Fe Trail. The third floor, originally donated by the Palmyra Masonic Lodge, has been designated as the state's Masonic Historic Lodge #1.


Also on the Complex grounds is the Palmyra Post Office and the Kibbee Cabin.


Hours: Old Castle Museum is open by appointment.
Address: 511 5th Street, Elm and Fremont
Phone: 785-594-8380
Our Website:www.bakeru.edu/old-castle-museum

Come visit us in Baldwin City, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Santa Fe Trail Well

Located three blocks north of Highway 56 on Washington Street in Baldwin (the only Palmyra street to still carry its original name), the Santa Fe Trail Well provided the first fresh water for travelers on the Trail.

Hand dug to 40 feet, it was later deepened to 70

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Black Jack Log Cabin

A white oak log cabin stands at the roadside park three miles east of Baldwin on Highway 56. Built in observance of Kansas' centennial in 1961, it now houses historical artifacts as well as hosting meetings and gatherings.

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Collins Library

Collins Library is the Baker University Library but also houses the Methodist Historical Library and two of the nation's top collections - The Quayle Rare Bible Collection and Rev. Coole's Ancient Chinese Coin Collection.

The library also houses an authentic 18

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Allen (Depot) Park

Allen Park, Main and High streets in West Baldwin (formerly Media), is privately owned and maintained by the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society. While privately owned, it is open to the public and offers a ball field, play area and shelterhouse with picnic tables, running water and grills.

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Area History Mural

The mural depicting area history was painted by local artist, Tom Russell. It is displayed in the Baldwin State Bank.

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Western Jefferson County Museum

Located in the Denison State Bank. Contains artifacts pertaining to the western half of Jefferson County Kansas. ...