Osborne County, KS
On the Meade Ranch in southeast Osborne County is a bronze plate with cross-marks upon it which is the most important spot on this continent to surveyors and map makers. The point of intersection of those two lines is called the Geodetic Center of the United States. On the tiny point where those two lines cross depend the surveys of a sixth of the world's surface.Of literary significance, Osborne County is the prairie location of the John and Rosa Ise homestead whose lives were chronicled in the annotated book, Sod and Stubble, highly recommended reading for a day by day account of pioneer life on the prairie.
Russell Stover's birthplace was in Alton, and Porky Pig had roots in Portis. For the most enjoyable learning experience, come to the Storytelling Capital of Kansas held in Downs the last weekend in April.
You're welcome anytime to Osborn
Explore Osborne County
Osborne County Veterans Memorial
Erected in 2000, This granite obelisk is dedicated to the memory of all Osborne County military veterans who ever served in active duty. Located on the north side of the historic courthouse square, the black African/
Osborne, KS MemorialsGeodetic Center of North America
The Geodetic Center of North America was entered on the National Register of Historic Places on October 9, 1973. It is not to be confused with the Geographic Center of the Continental United States, which is located some 50 miles to the north near Lebanon, Kansas.
Osborne, KS Geographical MarkersOsborne City Cemetery
The Osborne City Cemetery opened in 1879 at the corner of Eleventh Street and U.S. Highway 24 West. Veterans ranging from the Mexican War though the Vietnam War are buried here. Noted buffalo hunter Jeff Durfey and Howard Ruede, author of the celebrated book "Sod-House Days,"
Osborne, KS CemeteriesOsborne Shady Bend Golf Course
Want a Challenge? Try Shady Bend Golf Course in Osborne, Kansas. You'll like the irrigated, tree lined, blue grass fairways and the undulating, sloped bent grass greens. Our 9 hole golf course, par 36, is a challenge to any golfer with our slope rating of 130.
Our economical $10
Osborne, KS Golf CoursesCarnegie Library
The Downs Carnegie Library built in 1905 which was constructed from a $5,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie, still houses the library. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Downs, KS Carnegie LibrariesLipton Hotel
The Lipton Hotel was built in 1880 and is still standing. It once sheltered dignitaries and politicians. Today it houses one of the areas finest gift stores on the street level and some of the old rooms upstairs have been converted into modern apartments.
Downs, KS Historic BuildingsDowns Golf Course
The Downs Golf Course is open to the public and located only four miles north of the city. It is a challenging, well kept, nine-hole sand green course.
Downs, KS Golf CoursesOsborne County Museum Complex
The Osborne County Museum Complex offers an opportunity to visit the past with memorabilia dating back to the pioneer days.
On Exhibit
* Horse-drawn farm machinery
* Stonemason's tools
* Medical equipment
Osborne WPA Scout Cabin
Built of native stone as a Works Progress Administration (WPA)project in 1936, the historic Scout Cabin features original fireman poles and a massive stone fireplace. The building is available for meetings, reunions, and other community events.
Osborne, KS Historic BuildingsOsborne Carnegie Research Library
The Osborne Carnegie Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1912
Osborne, KS GenealogyOsborne County Courthouse
A visit to the Osborne County Courthouse will show the use of the area's popular post rock material in its Romanesque Revival styling. Built in 1907-1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
Osborne, KS Historic Courthouses