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Baldwin City, Kansas

The days are golden in this northeast Kansas town. Baldwin City is made special by the colors of the seasons, by the warmth of the people, by the simple opportunities for a good day and for a good life.

Whether you're in the mood for a side trip, or are looking for a great place to settle, we invite you to enjoy the beauty of Baldwin City.

Baldwin City's place in history is deep. The Battle of Black Jack, which took place to the east of Baldwin City in 1856, is recorded as the first battle of the Civil War.

The Santa Fe Trail, which linked east to west between 1824 and 1875, passed through Baldwin City. You may travel a section of the road that those early settlers traversed, or view the ruts carved by heavy wagons.

The city's history is also captured in its four buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Castle Museum, Parmenter Hall, and Case Hall are all on Baker University's campus. The fourth building, the Santa Fe Depot, was built in 1906, and is the only remaining depot of Kansas' first railroad south of the Kansas River.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Baker University

Baker is a liberal arts university which draws the region's finest students. The first university in Kansas, Baker was founded by Methodist ministers 139 years ago.

Baldwin City, KS Colleges

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

Baldwin City, KS Historic Libraries

Area History Mural

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

Baldwin City, KS Arts

Baldwin, Historical Marker

Here, and for the next 300 miles west, Highway 56 roughly follows the old Santa Fe Trail, and frequently crosses it. White settlement began in this area in 1854, the year Kansas became a territory, and in 1855

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Parmenter Hall

Parmenter Hall with its distinguishing tower, is the first building actually built on the Baker University campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The cornerstone was laid in June, 1866, but lack of financing delayed completion until 1881

Baldwin City, KS National Register

Things to do near Baldwin City, KS