The Aubrey Route, which left the Santa Fe Trail on the Arkansas River at Chouteau's Island and Indian Mound, west of Lakin, crossed Kearny and Grant Counties, and joined the Cimarron Branch at a point now called Wagon Bed Springs on the south boundary of Grant County.
The Columbian Schoolhouse, built in 1893, was named after the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Later shortened to Columbia, the school conducted its last class approximately 1945. This one room school was moved to the museum site from 15 miles north of Lakin and restored in 1984.
Lakin, KS Historic SchoolhousesThe Lakin Christian Church was organized in 1901 in the old courthouse building, and the existing building was dedicated in 1908.
The church is made of concrete, is nearly square, and has a splendid seating capacity.
Lincoln and Buffalo Streets
Lakin, KS Historic ChurchesChouteau's Island was the largest island of timber on the Arkansas River in this area. In the spring of 1816, Auguste Pierre Chouteau was returning to Missouri with several other fur trappers when they were attacked by a large party of Pawnee Indians. Chouteau'
Lakin, KS Pioneer HistoryThe Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees. "
Lakin, KS Historic BuildingsSpecies of fish in Lake Coldwater are Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Wiper, Black Bullhead, Bluegill, and Green S...