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Pawnee County, KS

Pawnee CountyThe land now recognized as Pawnee County was a high traffic area long before its boundaries were officially plotted and permanent settlement began in 1872. The buffalo and Indians roamed freely for centuries before the white soldiers arrived in 1859 to establish a military post at Fort Larned to assist in commerce and travel along the Santa Fe Trail. George Custer, Kit Carson, William Cody, Black Kettle, Santanta, and Yellow Bear were, but a few of the legendary people frequenting the fort.

It was Henry Booth, retired captain of Company L, 11th Kansas Calvary, who petitioned the state for official organization of the county in 1872, naming it after the familiar Pawnee River as well as recognizing the Pawnee Indians who inhabited the area historically.

Garfieldt: Originally named Camp Criley, in 1872 was a supply station for workmen building the Santa Fe Railroad and Captain J.D. Criley, superintendent of construction. In 1873, members of the Ohio colony filed on 30 pieces of land here and changed the name to Garfield, then congressman from their old district in Ohio, and later President of the United States, President Garfield promised to give a bell to the first church built in the community. The road side chapel (replica of the first Congregational Church-1875) houses the historical bell in Downey Park located in Garfield on Highway 56.

Burdett: Located 23 miles west of Larned, was originally named Brown's Grove in 1876 in honor of Dr. Gallitin Brown who settled beside a large grove of ash trees. In 1880 the railroad was built and the name was changed to "Burdette" in honor of Robert Jones Burdette who was in the newspaper business. Over the years, the last "e" in Burdette was inadvertently dropped.

Rozel: Located 15 miles west of Larned, was founded July 19, 1886 when the Arkansas Valley Town and Land Co. acquired the SW 1/4 from the railroad for $832 and selected a town site consisting of two city blocks. The name Rozel was chosen in honor of a daughter of one of the founders of the Land Company whose name was Rozella. Long before the town was founded Indian tribes used this immediate vicinity for their camping grounds.


Explore Pawnee County

Historic House Auto Tour

Tour Larned with the Historic Houses Auto Tour, a 28 house tour with houses dating between 1880 and 1917 (15 prior to 1887). The houses are private residences, but are clearly visible.

Larned, KS Tours

Larned Country Club

Come and enjoy the challenge of Larned's nine-hole public golf course.

Larned, KS Golf Courses

The Central States Scout Museum

Welcome to the most extensive exhibit and collection of scouting memorabilia you will probably ever set foot in. Old scouting enthusiasts will find this museum is the premier scout museum in the United States. Complete with several letters, photos and original drawings from scoutings\' founders (

Larned, KS Museums

Self Guided Auto Tour of the Santa Fe Trail

An itinerary of 73 markers placed on the five separate routes of the Santa Fe Trail in present day Pawnee, Edwards, and Ford Counties, Kansas by the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association. Those routs are:

Larned, KS Tours

Schnack Park

While you're visiting Larned, visit Schnack Park. Take in the fresh air amid the greenery of the Park. A spacious swimming pool is also available to take away summer's heat. Pack a lunch, view the fountain and relax in our picnic area. Ride the "Schnack Express"

Larned, KS Recreation

Auto Tour of Sites in the Legacy of Henry Booth

Take this Self-Guided Auto Tour of the Historic Sites associated with Henry Booth, the principal founder of Pawnee County and the City of Larned. There are 10

Larned, KS Tours


Sibley's Camp

As one of the last acts of his presidency, James Monroe signed a bill on March 3, 1825 which provided $10,000 for surveying the road and $20,000 to treat with Indians for right-of-way. On March 16, Monroe'

Larned, KS Pioneer History

Fort Larned

Fort Larned was established in 1859 as a base of military operations against

Larned, KS Forts

Explore Pawnee County