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Lakin, Kansas

Lakin, Kansas

Lakin was one of the eight locations between Dodge City and the Colorado state line designated in 1872 by the A.T.& S.F. railroad as stations for the service of the new road.

The city of Lakin was founded in 1873 by John O'Loughlin to serve the needs of the pioneer spirit sweeping the nation. The O'Loughlin Trading Post, as it was then called, did a thriving business with government troops, freighters, buffalo hunters, cowboys and with Indians. Famous chiefs including Little Robe, Black Kettle, Satanta, Dull Knife and Little Raven led their warriors along the white man's road.

There was never a dull day on this highway. General Sheridan was stationed at Fort Hays, and used it as a base against the Indians.

The city was named after David Long Lakin, who was a trustee for the railroad company.

Cattlemen established ranches up and down the valley, driving thousands of head from Texas and Old Mexico, fattening them on the vast pastures of buffalo grass and shipping them out by rail. Lakin became a shipping point for all southwest Kansas.


Kearny County has 9,852 acres of walk-in hunting.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Columbian School House

The Columbian Schoolhouse, built in 1893, was named after the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Later shortened to Columbia, the school conducted its last class approximately 1945. This one room school was moved to the museum site from 15 miles north of Lakin and restored in 1984.

Lakin, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Kearny County Historical Society Museum

Step back in time as history unfolds at the Kearny County Museum on Buffalo Street. Established in 1979, the museum won the Kansas Historical Society's Award of Excellence in 1982. In 1974

Lakin, KS Museums

Santa Fe Depot

Lakin originated as one of the early stops on the Santa Fe Railroad from Dodge City to Colorado in 1872. This depot, constructed in 1876, replaced the original boxcar depot. The depot was moved to the museum site and restored in 1984. Mr. James Thomas, grandson of the O'

Lakin, KS Railroad History

Lakin Municipal Golf Course

The course, 9 holes with grass greens, was one of the first in southwest Kansas with an underground sprinkler system and bluegrass fairways. It\'s located at Louck\'s Park.

Lakin, KS Golf Courses

Conestoga Wagon

The Conestoga Wagons were used primarily to haul freight on the Santa Fe Trail and other freight trails. They could handle two tons of goods. The wagon in our displayed in the Museum Comples bears the inscription "Joseph Edgar - 1831". There is a series of 1939

Lakin, KS Pioneer History

Things to do near Lakin, KS

Bear Creek Pass

This pass is one of the most interesting histories in the state of Kansas. Kearny County was fortunate in the creation of the...

Jetmore Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

palace theater

Historic restored theater from the pre 20's/// have pictures, if interested??? mike ordway...