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Baxter Springs, Kansas

Baxter Springs, Kansas

Experience Historic Baxter Springs!

Baxter Springs, the largest community in Cherokee County, once was a rest stop for the Osage Indians as they traveled toward their summer hunting grounds. Chief Black Dog and members of this tribe paused at the mineral springs that once flowed just south of what is now East Seventh Street. They believed the water had miraculous healing properties and they routed their trek purposely to partake of the flowing springs.

About 1849, John Baxter arrived to establish a trading post/travern beside the Indian trail and near the springs. The city's name derived from the frontier man's establishment, which was known as Baxter's Place and from the springs.

Fort Blair, a small Federal Army post, was established north of the springs, along the Military Road between Fort Scott and Fort Gibson. It was here that Confederate guerillas under the command of William Clark Quantrill, struck about noon on October 6, 1863, then moved to massacre a contingent of troops being led toward Fort Smith by General James G. Blunt. The dead, for the most part, are buried in Baxter Springs Cemetery, just west of the city.

Following the Civil War, Baxter Springs became known far and wide as one of the wildest cowtowns of the West. Drovers, bringing herds of cattle northward from Texas to Missouri, found the town a welcome respite after three or four months on the dusty trail. Leaving the longhorn cattle to feed on the lush grasses of the prairie in Indian Territory, the drovers made the most of the numerous saloons and other attractions of what is now known as the "First Cowtown in Kansas."

The city was christened Baxter Springs when it was incorporated in 1868. When the railroad moved to Texas, so did the cattle drives, leaving the city deeply depressed. During the period of hard times, it was discovered that the mineral springs had wonderful health-giving properties and Baxter Springs became a famous health spa. Spring Park was a popular gathering spot.

The Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunions which followed the Civil War and continued until 1914, also brought fame to the city and hordes of veterans, their families and the businesses needed to sustain them through the weeks of oratory and other pleasures.

Unwelcome visitors through the years have included a number of ruffians intent on robbing the local banks - - - Jesse James, Cole Younger, the Daltons gang and later Henry Starr and his gang.

With the discovery of lead and zinc in the Tri-State district, Baxter Springs became a prosperous business center. The demise of mining left its mark, but unlike many other less fortunate communities, the city recovered through the diversification of business, agriculture and industry to become one of the most attractive and progressive cities in the area.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

DAR Marker

Erected by the Baxter Springs Chapter of the DAR in 1931, the marker is dedicated in Memory of Gen. James G. Blunt and his escort who, defenseless fell victims to the inhuman ferocity of guerillas, led by the infamous Quantrill in his raid upon Baxter Springs, October 6, 1863, in which 135

Baxter Springs, KS Historical Markers

Black Dog Trail Marker

Located on the grounds of the Historical Museum, the marker commemorates the Black Dog Trail opened in 1803 by Chief Black Dog ( Manka - Chonka) and his band of Osage Indians who had a village nearby where springs once flowed freely.

Baxter Springs, KS Historical Markers

Little League Baseball Museum

This museum displays many awards and memorabilia of local sports heroes such as Mickey Mantle and Hale Irwin and other stars a Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Bill Russell, and other.

Baxter Springs, KS Museums

Historic Walking Tour

Walk along the downtown sidewalks on both sides of Military Avenue. Posted on the store fronts of the historic buildings are framed accounts of the original occupants of each store, their dates, and sometimes an account of a particular historical event that took place at that spot.

Baxter Springs, KS Tours

Fort Blair Site

Baxter Springs was a stopping place on the old Military Road serving Army forts which protected the preCivil War West from "hostile" Indians. It wasn't until 1862

Baxter Springs, KS Forts

Things to do near Baxter Springs, KS

S & W Supply

Slawson & Wilson Supply is the oldest known business in Girard that is still using its original equipment. S & W Supply ma...

Emanuel Haldeman-Julius Home

Emanuel Haldeman lived at this farm home with his family beginning in 1918. The home is listed on the Kansas State Registe...