Sumner County, KS
Nestled within Sumner County are seven cities brimming with popular attractions, historic sites, cultural activities, festivals and rodeos. For its 25,000 residents, Sumner County boasts excellent recreational facilities, museums sharing the frontier spirit, many special events and several historical sites listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.Sumner County's rich history began when Texans drove their cattle over the Chisholm Trail to the railroad station in Abilene. The Texas drovers were suprised and delighted to find full streams and rich grasslands for their herds. News spread about the opportunities, and the homesteaders made their way to this area. Wellington was designated as the permanent county seat in 1872.
The county's heritage included violent murders, grasshopper plagues, floods and droughts, and threats of Indian raids. Flour mills were erected and the first railroads were built to help market the county's huge wheat yields.
It's easy to get to Sumner County by auto on I-35 north/south or 160 east/west. Commercial air service is only 30 minutes away in Wichita.
Explore Sumner County
Conway Springs Bandshell
Conway Springs has always taken great pride in its music which dates back to 1885. The bandshell in Central Park was built by subscription in 1910
Conway Springs, KS AmphitheatersCarnegie Library
The Caldwell Carnegie Library was one of 59 public libraries constructed in Kansas. Built in 1912, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Caldwell, KS Carnegie LibrariesState Bank Building
The State Bank had its beginning with the town. It was founded as a private bank by James M. Harper, G. Douglas and J.C. Lutz. The three partners were rated with net assets of over $200,000. Mr. Harper was in charge of the bank, the first in the new town. Mr. Dengler died early in the bank'
Conway Springs, KS Historic BuildingsConway Springs Churches
Five churches are active in the Conway Springs community: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Baptist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, and the United Methodist Church.
Conway Springs, KS Historic ChurchesThe Chisholm Trail
The city of Wellington, Kansas, lies just 7 miles east of the cattle trail of the 1870's that led to the largest cattle market of its time in the entire world. While those days are over 120
Wellington, KS Pioneer HistoryChisholm Trail Markers
A permanent, cut stone marker identifies the location of the Chisholm Trail that led to the largest cattle market of its time in the entire world in the 1870's.
Caldwell, KS Historical MarkersCarnegie Library
On April 1, 1914, at the spring election the voters approved the support of a public library by a vote of 3-1. In May, 1914, the Wellington City Library board held it first meeting and voted to begin the process of erecting a library building. On April 10, 1915
Wellington, KS Carnegie LibrariesCherokee Strip Bridge
This bridge built by Grant County, Oklahoma and Sumner County, Kansas is a new monument to those hardy and determined men and women who ran the Cherokee Strip Run in 1893.
Caldwell, KS Historic BridgesCentral Park
Central Park at the west end of Spring Avenue, is two blocks square, and contains facilities often used by citizens and visitors in the community.
At the end of the 19
Conway Springs, KS RecreationHistoric Walking Tour
Caldwell, the Border Queen, has seen wild days as a cowtown beside the Chisholm trail, a brief period of booming times during the Oklahoma Land Rush days, and quiet prosperity based on the vast grain fields of Sumner County.
Caldwell, KS ToursCaldwell Railroads
The Santa Fe Railroad was the first railroad that came into Caldwell. Traces of the pens are still visible as well as the roundhouse.
Caldwell, KS Railroad History