Geary County, KS
We invite you to share the magic that our forefathers experienced as they discovered this land we call home.
A tour through Geary County will inspire thoughts of the early settlers who journeyed westward on the trails of yesteryear. In the very heart of America's heartland, the pioneers discovered majestic vistas and rolling waves of tallgrass priaire lands characteristic of the picturesque Flint Hills. It is a region full of stories about courage, greed, determination, and innovation, where spritis of soldiers, Indians, and immigrants join scientists, students, and nature lovers.
Forts were built along major trails to protect white settlers from the Indians, and Fort Riley went on to play a key role in American military history. It was Cavalry Headquarters after the Civil War ... a story well told at the U.S. Cavalry Museum. Since World War I, members of Fort Riley's First Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," have been prominently protecting us aginst modern marauders, from Germany to Iraq.
Kansas' soldiers are honored at the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Junction City, the county seat and metropolitan center of Geary County. While in Junction City, visit the Geary County Historical Museum which houses three galleries focusing on the history of the area in a native limestone structure dating back to 1903.
Visitors are surprised to see all the water in our region. Milford Reservoir is the largest lake in Kansas. It is a great tour stop where the Nature Center studies Kansas' wildlife, and the Fish Hatchery is among the country's finest.
Geary County, originally bore the name "Davis County" in 1855. For several years the citizens of Davis County complained about living in an area named for the President of the Confederate States of America, even though he was a Secretary of War when the county was named for him. In 1889, the county's name was changed to Geary after John W. Geary, Governor of Kansas Territory.
Explore Geary County
U. S. Cavalry Museum
The U.S. Cavalry Museum building was constructed in 1854 and used for nearly thirty years as the Post Hospital. In 1889, as Fort Riley'
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsCuster House - Fort Riley
Constructed in 1855 of native limestone, the Custer House is the only surviving set of quarters from the Fort'
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsStarcke/Henderson Period House Museum
The Starcke/Henderson Period House museum located just south of the Geary County Historical Museum was developed to showcase the Historical Society museum's growing collection of vintage household furniture and accessories. The main portion of this brick cottage was built in 1885
Junction City, KS MuseumsEpiscopal Church of the Covenant
This historic limestone church was built in 1859 and is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in Kansas.
Junction City, KS Historic ChurchesPost Cemetery
Beyond the Ogden Monument is the Post Cemetery. In the area nearest the Ogden Monument are mass graves of persons who died in two cholera epidemics which struck the post in 1855 and 1867
Fort Riley, KS CemeteriesTrolley Station
The Trolley Station was used as a baggage storage and waiting area for soldiers and families riding the inter-city trolley between Junction City and Fort Riley from 1901 until 1907. In 1907
Fort Riley, KS Historic BuildingsSpring Valley School
The Spring Valley Heritage Site, located west of Junction City at the intersection of Highway 18 and Spring Valley Road features a restored 19th century one-room schoolhouse and related out buildings. An 1870 period homesteader's hewn-log cabin has been relocated at the site.
Junction City, KS Historic SchoolhousesWetzel's Cabin
This cabin was built in 1857 by the C.F. Wetzel family. In 1861, a Lutheran congregation was organized in this cabin and a missionary by the name of F.W. Lang used this cabin to lead worship services. The original site of the cabin was near Clark's Creek. The cabin was restored in 1955
Grandview Plaza, KS Pioneer LifeWainwright Hall - Fort Riley
Wainwright Hall is named for General Jonathan Wainwright who served as the assistant commandant of the Cavalry School during the 1930s. The building was constructed in 1889
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsHistoric Opera House
The Junction City Opera House and City Offices/Fire Station opened in January, 1882, in a stately red brick structure featuring a tall pointed tower with a four-faced clock. In January 1898, almost 16
Junction City, KS Opera HousesGeary County State Fishing Lake
As an alternative to the two big reservoirs at Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek Lake in this area, Geary County State Lake is a smaller body of water with 99 acres of secluded fishing, free camping, hunting, and hiking. The lake is primarily intended to be used for fishing and no swimming is allowed.
Junction City, KS RecreationGeary County Courthouse
This Roman Revival building was commissioned May 20, 1899, and was completed in May, 1900 at a cost of $35,000
Junction City, KS Historic Courthouses