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Osawatomie, Kansas

"Cradle of the Civil War"

Our 4,500 residents are eager to share their attractions, history and special events during your visit.

Located in eastern Kansas, off Highway 169, Osawatomie combines agriculture and commerce in a small town setting with blue Kansas skies, clear air, and lush green grass and trees.

Our name, "Osawatomie", reflects our Native American beginnings. It was chosen to combine the names of the Osage and Potawatomi tribes that moved into this area from Missouri in 1827. In 1837, the Potawatomi Methodist Mission was established upon the site of our future town. The mission was abandoned in 1848.

Osawatomie was founded in 1854 and settled by free-state families from the Ohio Valley and New England. The Adair Cabin, Old Stone Church and First Land Office reflect those early years. The Osawatomie State Hospital has been a leader in mental health in Kansas and the nation since 1864.

Our past is present today as you tour our city and visit with staff at the Adair Cabin, First Land Office and Osawatomie History Museum.

During your stay, share in our history and take time to see and enjoy our tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, ornamental street lights, timeless bridges and friendly merchants-- all the pleasures of small town living.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Soldier's Monument

The Soldiers Monument was dedicated August 30, 1877, and was erected to honor the five men killed in the battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856.

Osawatomie, KS Monuments

Pottawatomie Creek Bridge

The Pottawatomie Creek Bridge which spans Pottawatomie Creek at Sixth Street is one of two Marsh Arch triple span bridges located at Osawatomie. The other spans the Marias de Cygnes River at Eighth Street, and both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

Creamery Bridge

The Creamery Bridge which spans the Marais des Cygnes River at Eighth Street is one of two Marsh Arch triple span bridges located at Osawatomie. The other spans the Pottawatomie Creek, and both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge which crosses the Marais des Cygnes River at First Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built during a three month period--October thru December, 1905, by the Kansas City Bridge Company, Kansas City, Mo. Its bid of $4,800

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

The Mills House

William M. Mills, an oilman from Pennsylvania, drilled over 400 oil and gas wells in his lifetime. He drilled the Norman #1

Osawatomie, KS Historic Homes

Things to do near Osawatomie, KS

Hillsdale Lake Equine Trails

The Marysville equestrian area on the east side of the reservoir has approximatley 30 miles of marked and unmarked trails ava...

Irene B French Community Center

The Irene B French Community Center is located in a renovated historic school building that was once the home the Merriam Gra...

Silverheels Residence

This is the former residence of Shawnee Indian, John Silverheels built in 1830. Silverheels was given 800 acres in Northeast ...

Smiley's Executive Golf Club

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 3 days...

Historic Waysides Tour at Fort Leavenworth

In 1996 Fort Leavenworth was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark and a portion of the fort is on the Na...