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Neodesha, Kansas

Installed in 1938 on the lobby walls of the Neodesha Post Office is a WPA mural entitled "Neodesha's First Inhabitants" painted by Bernard Steffen. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because because this mural is one of a limited number of artist works that were commissioned in the depression era by the WPA to keep our country's cultural talents employed during the financial crisis.

Steffen painted this on four masonite panels instead of canvas. The setting of the mural is staged about where 4th street now runs. The mural depicts the friendly relations between the Osage Indians of southeastern Kansas and the early white settlers. On the right side of the panels, Chief Little Bear waves to Dr. T. Blakeslee, a physician responsible for much of the peacefulness between the two cultures. Little Bear's wife and daughter stand behind him. Blakeslee, mounted on horseback, waves back. On the left side of the panels, the Indian tribe works busily in front of their teepees, carving canoes, making pots, tanning hides, drying meats, and carrying wood. A field of grain grows close to the left corner of the panel. Tows of corn slope down the rolling hills toward the white settlement.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Main Street Tour

Because of its historic downtown, Neodesha was selected as a Kansas Main Street City in 1993. The occidental Hotel, later owned by Carrie Brown, was then renamed the Brown Hotel. The wooden hotel was destroyed by fire in 1895. Carrie rebuilt this fine brick hotel in 1896 and added the verandah in 19

Neodesha, KS Tours

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

Historic St. Ignatious

The St. Ignatious Church originated in 1876 and the present church was built in 1912.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

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

Frisco Caboose Museum

The Frisco Caboose Mueseum houses railroad artifacts and memorabilia.

Neodesha, KS Railroad History

Things to do near Neodesha, KS

Winston Park

Winson Park was given to the people of Girard by Mr. J.E. Raymond. The Park has a swimming pool, playground equipment and ...