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Franklin County, KS

Franklin CountyTake deep breath, step back and you'll be amazed what you'll see in Franklin County, Kansas. As you walk down Main Street in our county seat of Ottawa your eyes will look in wonder at the incredible Victorian Architecture in the heart of this city. Famous Kansas Architect, George Washburn, who made his home in Ottawa for nearly 60 years, designed most of our wonderful buildings with a variety of architectural flavors and splendid artistic features.

The Old Depot Museum reflects the strong influences that shaped this area and made an impact on the state and our country. The museum displays walk you through our local history from the many Indian tribes that once lived here to the development of communities, the battle over slavery that lead to "Bleeding Kansas". You'll also learn about the development of the railroads, the National Chautauqua Assembly's and even unique stories about such local historic sites as Silkville, a utopian community created to raise silkworms which became the "Silk-producing Capital of the World".

Art lovers will enjoy a wide spectrum of artwork from the rotating displays at the Ottawa Community Arts Center, Suzuki Strings, and the Ottawa Municipal Auditorium which brings performing arts to the stage. You can also take in the works of world renowned artist Elizabeth "Grandma" Layton at the Wellsville Library.

This area is blessed with natural beauty with thousands of acres of crop land, wooded areas, native prairie, lakes and the Chippewa Hills, We also have some of the finest parks and recreation areas. The spirit of the prairie calls out to you to enjoy the states first major hiking and bicycling trail. The "Prairie Spirit" which begins in Ottawa and runs through the countryside filled with turkey, fox, white-tailed deer and other fascinating animals. It stretches south through Princeton, Richmond to Garnett and Welda, KS.

Franklin County offers a myriad of special events, from fairs and rodeos, to seasonal festivals, art and craft shows, car shows, homes tours and spectacular holiday celebrations, You are sure to find something that interests every member of the family and then you'll see for yourself that Franklin County, Kansas really is, Something To Write Home About!

Our county is located just 35 miles southwest of Kansas City and is easily accessible from interstate 35, U.S. Highways 50 & 59 along with KS state highway 68.

Explore Franklin County

Elizabeth

When Elizabeth "Grandma"

Wellsville, KS Famous People

Dietrich Cabin

Located south of the old Ottawa Carnegie Library in Ottawa's City Park, the Dietrich Cabin stands today as a memorial to a courageous couple, who suffered severe hardships on the Kansas frontier and as a tribute to the hundreds of other early pioneers that settled in Franklin County.

Ottawa, KS Memorials

Ottawa Community Arts Center

Ottawa Community Arts Council (OCAC), of Ottawa, Kansas , is a non-profit arts organization that has been in existence since 1977. The Ottawa Community Arts Council has been the official arts organization for Ottawa and Franklin County for over 30

Ottawa, KS Arts

Franklin County Courthouse

The Franklin County Courthouse was built in 1893 by George P. Washburn, one of the best known 19th century Kansas architects, and is regarded as one of Washburn's most outstanding works. Courthouses were one of Washburn'

Ottawa, KS Historic Courthouses

Chely Wright

Ask people in Wellsville, Kansas, what they think of country music and even thought their opinions may vary, they'll always smile with pride when they talk about Chely Wright. The country music star, who has topped the charts and won the hearts of millions of fans, grew up in this town of 1,600

Wellsville, KS Famous People

Old Depot Museum

The Old Depot Museum is operated by the Franklin County Historical Society. This incredible, two story, limestone depot was built in 1888

Ottawa, KS Museums

Ottawa City Park

The Ottawa City Park is a beautiful compliment of nature's architecture among the historic works of George P. Washburn in the downtown district. Located at 5th and Main, the park offers a spacious area for strolling, relaxing, or picnics with playground equipment for the children.

Ottawa, KS Parks

Historic Churches

1st Babtist Church (pictured) - Romanesque Revival Style 4th and Hickory

United Methodist Church - 1903 3

Ottawa, KS Historic Churches

200 Block of Main

The entire 200 block of Main Street in Ottawa is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's noted for its Victorian architecture.

Ottawa, KS Historic Downtowns

Tauy Jones Mansion

Located northeast of Ottawa 2 miles north on U.S. Highway 59 and then east. The home was built in 1862 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

John Tecumseh "Tauy" Jones, honored as the"Founder of Ottawa University"

Ottawa, KS Famous Homes

Ottawa University

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a four-year co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. The American Baptist Churches and the Ottawa Indians joined forces to create a university in 1864. The Indians gave 20,000

Ottawa, KS Colleges

Tauy Jones Hall

Located on the Ottawa University campus. The black and gold dome atop this building stands as a proud tribute to Tauy Jones, founder of the university. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ottawa, KS National Register

Explore Franklin County