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Cherryvale, Kansas

Cherryvale, Kansas

In May, 1871, the abundance of wild cherry trees along the creeks and in the woodlands of this area influenced the railroad settlers to name the town site Cherryvale. Its being, its growth, and its history all have been dramatically linked to the rise and fall of the railroad industry. It's ironic that the last commercial passenger train left Cherryvale in April, 1971 ... one hundred years after the railroad designated the site for the city of Cherryvale. Just as it did in the 1800's, the railroad continues to have a major influence in Cherryvale. The South, Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad currently uses the north-south railroad tracks through Cherryvale with several trains carrying freight and cargo through town.

At the beginning of the 1900's, Cherryvale emerged as a leader in the brick industy. It was said that Cherryvale made the finest bricks in the world, using shale mounds around the city to provide the raw material needed for the bricks. Each brick was rumored to be able to withstand 85 tons of pressure without any injury to the brick. At one time, six brick plants were in operation, turning out an estimated 500,000 bricks a day. Walk along preserved brick sidewalks and residential streets in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri and you will find the bricks stamped "Cherryvale" still in working condition.

Since Cherryvale had six brick factories, most of the streets, sidewalks, and downtown buildings were constructed from these bricks. 1882 saw the advent of sun-dried brick streets. The wood planked sidewalks were replaced in 1898 with kiln bricks from the Corbin plant and later, in the early 1900s, the brick sidewalks were widened to sixteen feet. Today, the remaining buildings of downtown Cherryvale remain the same as built at the turn-of-the-century.

Notable people of Cherryvale include Vivian Vance of the "I Love Lucy" show, Louise Brooks, silent screen star, and Frank Bellamy, author of the Pledge of Allegiance, who is buried at Fairview Cemetery marked appropriately with ... the American Flag.

Whether you are here on business or for pleasure, Cherryvale "Welcomes You," and hopes you will take advantage of her many assets and return again and again.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Vivian Vance Birthplace

I Love Lucy fans know Vivian Vance as Lucy's neighbor and cohort "Ethel Mertz." Born Vivian Roberta Jones in Cherryvale, Kansas, on July 26 in 1909

Cherryvale, KS Famous People

Cherryvale Cemeteries

Cherryvale's three cemeteries and two rural cemeteries abound with local history and genealogy information. 1869 Fairview Cemetery, Northeast of town on Olive Street. P.C. Bowen set aside 10

Cherryvale, KS Cemeteries

Leatherock Hotel and Museums

The Leatherock Hotel is the only local hotel left among the 19 hotels built in Cherryvale's bygone era. This 1912 historic hotel, adjacent to the crossing tracks of AT&

Cherryvale, KS Museums

Santa Fe Depot

The Santa Fe Depot remains as an icon to the bygone days of railroading with memories of steam locomotives, doodlebugs and cabooses. Built in 1910, it is the only depot of this style left standing on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway'

Cherryvale, KS Railroad History

Lakeview Country Club & Resort

The Lakeview Country Golf Club & Resort is on 150-arcres, with a 50-acre fresh water lake that was at one time Cherryvale's municipal waterworks. It is open 7 days a week, with a 9-hole golf course featuring a putting green, driving range and pro shop.

Cherryvale, KS Golf Courses

Things to do near Cherryvale, KS

Marais des Cygnes NWR Birding

Birding at Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is especially good in late spring when over 30 species of warblers migr...

Cedarbrook Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...