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Council Oak


category : Landmarks
Council Oak A shelter east of the Neosho River bridge protects the stump of the Council Oak. Gathered in the shade of the big oak on a hot August day in 1825, agents of the Osage tribe and the U.S. government signed a treaty giving Americans and Mexicans safe passage along the Santa Fe Trail through Osage territory in return for $800. (At that same time, the city was named for its role as a council site for treaty negotiations and its extensive grove of hardwood timber.) Before the Council Oak blew down in a windstorm in 1958, the tree stood 70 feet tall and measured 16 feet around.


Admission: no fee
Hours: 24/7/365
Address: East Main Street

Come visit us in Council Grove, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Custer Elm

Legend has it that while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail with his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment, George Armstrong Custer camped under the huge elm that flourished at this site. The massive trunk is all that remains of this tree that measured more than 100 feet tall and 16 feet around. Custer bought 120

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Guardian of the Grove Statue

Council Grove, KS Arts

Early Day Jail

Desperadoes, ruffians, robbers and horse thieves all "bunked" here in this early day calaboose (jail), built in 1849. It was said to be the only jail on the Santa Fe Trail at the time. Other Durland Park attractions:

Council Grove, KS Pioneer Life

Council Grove National Bank Building

Completed in 1887, this bank that anchors a corner of downtown is a fine example of Western Commerical architecture. The exterior of the building was refurbished in 1974 and, after a 1978 fire, additional work restored the lobby to an appearance reminiscent of 1887. Listed on the

Council Grove, KS Historic Buildings

Farmers and Drovers Bank Building

A Council Grove landmark, the Farmers and Drovers Bank is one of the community's most ornate buildings. The two-story red brick bank with limestone trim was built in 1892 for $20,000. Its "eclectic"

Council Grove, KS Historic Buildings

Things to do Landmarks near Council Grove, KS

C.W. Parker Carousel

Post Office Oak and Museum

Council Oak

Santa Fe Trail Ruts

Still etched in the prairie, the 175-year-old Santa Fe Trail ruts carved their niche in our nation's history by helping move ...

Custer Elm