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Neodesha, Kansas

Neodesha, Kansas

If you expect Kansas to be dry, flat, treeless and unprogressive, Neodesha will shatter every one of these stereotypes. Tucked in the beautiful Osage Cuestas (rolling hills) and blessed with 36 inches of rain and 14 inches of snow yearly, Neodesha is nestled in a lush countryside with excellent conditions for all sorts of sports, especially water sports. It sits in a virtual paradise for hunters and fishermen.

Coming from an Osage Indian word, Neodesha (Knee-o-da-shay') means "where waters meet." And the town is appropriately named as it sits between the Verdigris and Fall Rivers. The Big Osage Tribe and Little Osage Tribe hunted these grounds until a treaty on July 15, 1870 reassigned the Osage Tribes in Kansas to land in Indian Territory - Oklahoma. There they settled along the east bank of the Caney River, on land which eventually made them the wealthiest tribe in the nation after the discovery of oil thereon.

Neodesha proved to the nation's budding oil industry that vast deposits of liquid energy lay under Kansas' soil as well. In 1892, Norman No. 1, the first commercial oil well in the mid-continent field, was born. Neodesha was a booming town from the beginning, even before the oil discovery. In 1870 the trading post opened its doors for "hopeful" business from surrounding camps and the Indians. Settlers were enticed by the offer of FREE town lots for anyone who would BUILD on them. By 1871, the mushrooming settlement had a population of 1,043, with 200 dwellings, and 40 businesses (13 of them occupied by liquor saloons). In March, an order was issued for incorporation.

Today, with a friendly population of 3,000 and healthy community atmosphere, the peaceful, scenic surroundings provide the kind of place that you can walk downtown, or to the swimming pool, or to school knowing you are safe. A wealth of opportunity awaits business and industry. Comfortable, affordable housing, a wide variety of recreational programs, excellent health care, an outstanding educational system and cultural programs all combine to make Neodesha a great place to live.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension was finished in 1909. It wasa Mission church of the Independence Diocese of the Episcopal Church under the Bishop of the Wichita Diocese.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Historic Homes Tour

Neodesha has several homes builit in the late 1800s and turn of the century. The beautiful Queen Anne Victorian style home at 7th and Main was built in 1898 by Dr. Allen, grandfather of Dr. Allen Moorhead, the current resident. Another of the late 19th century elaborate homes was built in 1895

Neodesha, KS Tours

Norman No. 1 Oil Well Museum

November 28, 1892, the Norman No. 1 oil well became the first and largest commercial oil well west of the Mississippi and it became the birthplace of the vast Mid-Continent Oil Field. Norman No. 1 was in continuous operation until 1919. The well was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978

Neodesha, KS Museums

Cemetery Tour

The Neodesha Cemetery has markers of some of the first founders and residents of early Neodesha. J.B. Keys, along with Robert S. Futhey discovered the present site of Neodesha. The claim to the land, bought for $500

Neodesha, KS Cemeteries

Historic Presbyterian Church

The first and only Presbyterian Church was built in 1886. The building remained unchanged until 1920 when the building was raised to put a basement underneath.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Things to do near Neodesha, KS

Independence Science and Technology Center

Leatherock Hotel and Museums

The Yellow Brick Road

Emmett Kelly Museum

Olive Ann Beach

Olive Ann Beach, co-founder of the Beech Aircraft Corporation, was born and raised on a farm south of Waverly. After high ...