On this quarter acre site, overlooking three valleys -- Coal Creek, Wakarusa, and Kansas, stood with famous Signal Oak Tree. It was a stately white oak at the time of the Civil War, whose branches were used to hold signal lanterns. This Park, donated to the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society, was a gift from dedicated local historians.
The native stone and brick bridge over Tauy Creek was erected in 1890 at the request of Baldwin's first female mayor, Lucy Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan, one of the nation's earliest woman mayors, and her all-female council distinguished themselves with community improvements such as this bridge "
Baldwin City, KS Pioneer LifeHere, and for the next 300 miles west, Highway 56 roughly follows the old Santa Fe Trail, and frequently crosses it. White settlement began in this area in 1854, the year Kansas became a territory, and in 1855
Baldwin City, KS Pioneer LifeLocated three blocks north of Highway 56 on Washington Street in Baldwin (the only Palmyra street to still carry its original name), the Santa Fe Trail Well provided the first fresh water for travelers on the Trail.
Hand dug to 40 feet, it was later deepened to 70
Baldwin City, KS Pioneer LifeThe mural depicting area history was painted by local artist, Tom Russell. It is displayed in the Baldwin State Bank.
Baldwin City, KS Arts