Still etched in the prairie, the 175-year-old Santa Fe Trail ruts carved their niche in our nation's history by helping move freight and settlers to the great Southwest. To see the ruts, take US-56 (Main Street) west to the city limits sign. Drive another 4.9 miles west, turn left (south) on a gravel road and go .6 miles. A sign indicates the ruts, a shallow trough running in a west-southwest direction. (The ruts are on private property.)
The Kaw (or Kansa) Indians lived in three villages southeast of Council Grove from 1848 until their removal south to Indian Territory in 1873. Methodist Episcopal missionaries built this school for Kaw children in 1851
Council Grove, KS MuseumsLegend has it that while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail with his famous 7th Cavalry Regiment, George Armstrong Custer camped under the huge elm that flourished at this site. The massive trunk is all that remains of this tree that measured more than 100 feet tall and 16 feet around. Custer bought 120
Council Grove, KS LandmarksWith its foundation laid in Kansas Territory, the Terwilliger Home was built alongside the famed Santa Fe Trail as Kansas became the 34th state. Built by Abraham and Mary Rawlinson in 1860-61, this stone home was the last house freighters passed going West when leaving Council Grove as late as 18
Council Grove, KS Historic HomesThis imposing, 76-foot-long native stone barn was built into the bank of a hill in 1871 on land owned by the town's founder, Seth Hays. It's the only structure remaining from the Morris County Poor Farm, which existed here from 1889-1945.
Council Grove, KS Historic BarnsThis striking statue, depicting a pioneer mother with two children, pays tribute to the sturdy women of covered wagon days. The 10-feet-tall figure is made of pink Algonite stone and was erected in 1928
Council Grove, KS MemorialsChristian Hills Camp, just outside of Eureka, provides 240 acres of facilities for picnics, camping, swimming, meetings and r...