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Chanute, Kansas

Chanute, Kansas

Chanute owes its name and existence to a track-laying race between the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Galveston (LL&G) and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas (KATY) railroads in the early 1870's. At the junction where the two lines crossed, town promoters planned three towns: Tioga, New Chicago, and Chicago Junction. The two railroad rivals schemed and fought for dominance. Finally, after two years, rivalry-weary leaders cooperated to plat a fourth town, Alliance. This solution failed, so in 1873, they agreed to consolidate all the towns and call the conglomerate Chanute after Octave Chanute, the LL&G chief civil engineer who later became a pioneer aeronautical engineer. Known as the "Father of Aviation", Octave built the "Chanute Glider" which was an invaluable aid to the art of flying. It is given without remuneration that he made the success of the Wright brothers possible. He died in 1911 before the science of flying had made anything like its present success. A recognized authority in England and Canada in civil engineering, his life's aim was to see air transportation an accomplished fact.

Osa Johnson, the explorer, was born in Chanute; the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum containing photographs and artifacts is located here.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Safari Golf Course

The Safari Golf Course is a 9

Chanute, KS Golf Courses

Historic Homes Tour

Discover Chanute's rich historical heritage. Explore tree-lined streets made of hand-laid brick and note the architectural and cultural significance of many of Chanute's historic downtown buildings and elegant homes. A printed brochure of 24 sites dating mostly from 1890 to 1907

Chanute, KS Tours

Tioga Hotel

The Tioga was built in 1929 by J.W. Pratt and was leased by the Boss Hotel Chain for most of its life. Designed in the Art Deco style, it features gargoyles on each corner. It was one of the state's first fireproof hotels and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991

Chanute, KS Historic Hotels

Memorial Auditorium

If your interests are music or theatre, Chanute's Memorial Auditorium recently underwent a series of major improvements, making it one of the finest facilities of its kind in Kansas. The 1,200

Chanute, KS Arts

Highland Park

Stop and relax at Highland Park while you are enjoying your stay in Chanute. Recreational opportunities include fishing, picnicing with a shelter, a playground, and tennis.

Chanute, KS Recreation

Things to do near Chanute, KS

Burlington Educational Tours

All tours are free of charge and handicapped accessible unless otherwise stated. Call Coffey County Chamber of Commerce for a...

Linn Valley Lakes

Linn Valley Lakes is considered a 3rd class city offering a beautiful Private Lake Community with seven stocked lakes, 18-hol...

Presbyterian Church

This historic church building was built in 1887 after the previous church had been destroyed by a tornado. ...

Walking Stations

Walking Stations: Fredonia Southeast City Park (2 blocks south of Washington on 15th St.) and Pryor Field (11th and Robinson)...