Atchison County, KS
On July 4, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the area which is now Atchsion County. Two local streams emptied into the "big" river and in honor of the day, they named them, "Fourth of July 1804 Creek" and Independence Creek. These names kept their history alive even though it wasn't until 50 years later when the Kansas Territory was opened for settlement, that 18 men crossed the river to organize and plot the town of Atchison.Learn more of Atchison County by visiting its unique cities described below.
Atchison
See Atchison City Page on left menu
Effingham
Established in 1868, this town was platted along the Central Branch Railroad. Effingham was also an important livestock shipping center and trading point. In 1915 there were 22 businesses and 5 churches. The town first received electricity in 1914 from Atchison.
Huron
Established 1882. The town site was originally the property of Colonel D.R. Anthony. Huron was relocated to a new site along the railroad. Many fires destroyed the town depleting the population. The town is either named after the Huron Indians or an Ohio County.
Lancaster
Established 1858. The old Military Road passed through this little town. A good trading point and livestock shipping center, this prosperous community at one time supported 15 public buildings and many families.
Cummings
The original name was Cummingsville and was established in 1872. The town was platted by William Cummings to set along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. In the 1920's there were sixteen businesses and three churches.
>Larkinburg
This is a community straddling the Atchison-Jackson County line. This town was platted as a station on the Leavenworth, Kansas and Western Railroad which pushed through the county in 1871 and served this part of the state until 1935.
Arrington
Established 1884. Popular mineral springs attracted people who were hoping to find a fountain of youth. The town grew fast because of health resorts. Most of the town was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. The springs are now farm land.
Parnell
This town was established in 1883 as a station on the Santa Fe and Missouri railroads. Named in honor of James Parnell, who was a Civil War hero, one of the first from Atchison County to respond to Lincoln's call. He died in battle Hoare Head, A.R.
Muscotah
Established 1857. The name is of Indian origin and signifies "Beautiful Prairie" or "Prairie on Fire." The townsite of the present Muscotah was originally part of the Kickapoo Indian lands and was granted by a U.S. patent to Chief Pe-it-e-quark.
Kennekuk
The town of Kennekuk was founded as a stage stop in 1858 and named after Kickapoo Indian Chief, John Kennekuk. One of the earliest settlements in Atchison County and the headquarters for the Kickapoo Agency, it served at least three trails in the 1850's and 1860's; an overland freighting and stagecoach road from Atchison; a stage coach and Pony Express road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley.
Explore Atchison County
Theatre Atchison
Theatre Atchison is a community theatre that annually presents four plays and a summer musical in the intimate setting of a renovated, historic church sanctuary. The theatre's capacity of 220 surrounds a thrust stage. Mystery dinners are offered 3-4
Atchison, KS TheatresAtchison Co. Historical Society Museum
This museum in the restored Santa Fe Depot traces the history of Atchison County. Exhibits highlight Atchison's transition from a bend in the Missouri River to a busy commercial center for steamboats, westward-bound wagon trains and the railroads.
Atchison, KS MuseumsAtchison Rail Museum
Adjacent to the Santa Fe Depot, the Atchison Rail Museum is owned and operated by the Northeast Kansas Railroaders, Inc. It features an outdoor collection of rail cars including a Baldwin locomotive, several passenger cars and cabooses, and a snow plow.
NEKR members operate the Atchison &
Atchison, KS MuseumsSt. Patrick's Church
St. Patrick's is the oldest Catholic structure in continous use in Kansas by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City. In the spring of 1857, St. Patrick's was established by Rev. Augustine Wirth, O.S.B. The first church was erected in the fall of 1859
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesAtchison - Morman Grove
A historic marker erected by the Kansas State Historical Society that commemorates the site where, during the years between 1855 and 1857, some 20,000 Mormons camped before moving on to their "promised land".
Atchison, KS LandmarksVisitor Information Center
The restored Santa Fe Depot, long a community landmark, serves as a Visitor Information Center and houses the Chamber of Commerce offices.
The center provides visitors with brochures, maps, and a helpful staff who can answer questions about sightseeing in the Atchison area.
Atchison, KS Visitors Centers
Chapels at Mount St. Scholastica Convent
The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica have been in Atchison since 1863 and at their present location since 1877. St. Scholastica Chapel was dedicated in 1938, the 75th anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters'
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesAtchison Trolley
Learn about Atchison from those who know it best. Hop aboard the trolley at the Santa Fe Depot and enjoy a 45-minute tour of Atchison narrated by your friendly, knowledgeable driver. As the trolley moves along the city's brick streets, you'll discover the classic charm of Atchison, including 18
Atchison, KS ToursAtchison County Courthouse
One of 13 Kansas courthouses designed by George P. Washburn, this ashlar limestone building was completed in 1897, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The clock tower was raised an extra 12 feet from the original design so that it could be seen downtown.
Atchison, KS Historic CourthousesEvah C. Cray Historical Home Museum
This 25-room mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places , is a glorious example of the opulence of the Victorian era. Built in 1882
Atchison, KS MuseumsTrinity Episcopal Church
This charming limestone building was completed in 1868 according to plans of Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church on New York's Wall Street. The interior has beams and pews of native black walnut and lovely stained-glass windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesAtchison Post Office
This Richardsonian Romanesque structure of cottonwood limestone was completed in 1894, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features an arched entry and rounded towers on its southeast and southwest corners.
Atchison, KS National Register