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The legend of the Jayhawk States that: "Early one autumn morning in 1856, Pat Devilin, a Free-State Irishman, rode into Osawatomie with his saddle bags laden with considerable goods. As he tied his horse in front of one of the stores, one of the men standing nearby said, 'Pat, it, looks like you have been foraging.' Pat, as he mounted the steps replied,'Yes, I have been over in Missouri jayhawking.' When asked what he meant by the expression he said that in the old country they had a bird that worried its prey before devouring it. He added that what he had been doing was jayhawking. This is the only known origin of the word."

Attractions and Upcoming Events

First Land Office

This land office building was built in 1854 and was used by the first mayor of Osawatomie, H. B. Smith, and his brother who were the first land patent agents in the territory. It was deeded to the city in 1954 by A. W. Youngberg as a memorial to his wife.

Osawatomie, KS Pioneer Life

Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge which crosses the Marais des Cygnes River at First Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built during a three month period--October thru December, 1905, by the Kansas City Bridge Company, Kansas City, Mo. Its bid of $4,800

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

Old Stone Church

One of the first churches in Kansas, this church was built by a Congregationalist group and is typical of the church structures built during pioneer days in Kansas.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Churches

Osawatomie History Museum

Exhibits include The Railroad, Oswatomie State Hospital, pre-Civil War, Rural Culture, and the Social History of Osawatomie. Special rotating exhibits present Black History Month in February, Women's History Month in March; April, Art; May, Alumni; June, John Brown; August, Founders Day;

Osawatomie, KS Museums

Soldier's Monument

The Soldiers Monument was dedicated August 30, 1877, and was erected to honor the five men killed in the battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856.

Osawatomie, KS Monuments

Things to do near Osawatomie, KS

Silverheels Residence

This is the former residence of Shawnee Indian, John Silverheels built in 1830. Silverheels was given 800 acres in Northeast ...

Lakeside Hills Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 4 days...

St. Andrews Golf Club

St. Andrews is an 18-hole course that is well balanced and challenging for both beginners and scratch golfers. The front a...