Geary County, KS
We invite you to share the magic that our forefathers experienced as they discovered this land we call home.
A tour through Geary County will inspire thoughts of the early settlers who journeyed westward on the trails of yesteryear. In the very heart of America's heartland, the pioneers discovered majestic vistas and rolling waves of tallgrass priaire lands characteristic of the picturesque Flint Hills. It is a region full of stories about courage, greed, determination, and innovation, where spritis of soldiers, Indians, and immigrants join scientists, students, and nature lovers.
Forts were built along major trails to protect white settlers from the Indians, and Fort Riley went on to play a key role in American military history. It was Cavalry Headquarters after the Civil War ... a story well told at the U.S. Cavalry Museum. Since World War I, members of Fort Riley's First Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," have been prominently protecting us aginst modern marauders, from Germany to Iraq.
Kansas' soldiers are honored at the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Junction City, the county seat and metropolitan center of Geary County. While in Junction City, visit the Geary County Historical Museum which houses three galleries focusing on the history of the area in a native limestone structure dating back to 1903.
Visitors are surprised to see all the water in our region. Milford Reservoir is the largest lake in Kansas. It is a great tour stop where the Nature Center studies Kansas' wildlife, and the Fish Hatchery is among the country's finest.
Geary County, originally bore the name "Davis County" in 1855. For several years the citizens of Davis County complained about living in an area named for the President of the Confederate States of America, even though he was a Secretary of War when the county was named for him. In 1889, the county's name was changed to Geary after John W. Geary, Governor of Kansas Territory.
Explore Geary County
Starcke/Henderson Period House Museum
The Starcke/Henderson Period House museum located just south of the Geary County Historical Museum was developed to showcase the Historical Society museum's growing collection of vintage household furniture and accessories. The main portion of this brick cottage was built in 1885
Junction City, KS Museums
Wounded Knee Monument
This monument is dedicated to the men of the 7th cavalry who were killed during the Pine Ridge Campaign of 1890 and the battle that is known as Wounded Knee. This controversial engagement marked one of the last armed conflicts between the army and Native Americans.
Fort Riley, KS MonumentsPost Cemetery
Beyond the Ogden Monument is the Post Cemetery. In the area nearest the Ogden Monument are mass graves of persons who died in two cholera epidemics which struck the post in 1855 and 1867
Fort Riley, KS CemeteriesWainwright Hall - Fort Riley
Wainwright Hall is named for General Jonathan Wainwright who served as the assistant commandant of the Cavalry School during the 1930s. The building was constructed in 1889
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsGeary County State Fishing Lake
As an alternative to the two big reservoirs at Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek Lake in this area, Geary County State Lake is a smaller body of water with 99 acres of secluded fishing, free camping, hunting, and hiking. The lake is primarily intended to be used for fishing and no swimming is allowed.
Junction City, KS RecreationWetzel's Cabin
This cabin was built in 1857 by the C.F. Wetzel family. In 1861, a Lutheran congregation was organized in this cabin and a missionary by the name of F.W. Lang used this cabin to lead worship services. The original site of the cabin was near Clark's Creek. The cabin was restored in 1955
Grandview Plaza, KS Pioneer LifeGeary County Courthouse
This Roman Revival building was commissioned May 20, 1899, and was completed in May, 1900 at a cost of $35,000
Junction City, KS Historic CourthousesFirst Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church was organized in Junction City on November5, 1865. This building was dedicated January 27, 1867, and served as the Baptist Church until the adjacent building was occupied in 1917. Under the stucco exterior are the original native limestone blocks.
Junction City, KS Historic ChurchesEpiscopal Church of the Covenant
This historic limestone church was built in 1859 and is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in Kansas.
Junction City, KS Historic ChurchesStatue of "Old Trooper Bill"
The Old Trooper has become a symbol at Fort Riley of the proud heritage of the Horse Cavalry. It is modeled after the drawing of "Old Bill," the cavalry soldier drawn by famous western artist, Frederic Remington. This sketch is displayed in the Cavalry Museum'
Fort Riley, KS MemorialsSt. Mary's Chapel
As the first stone church in Kansas, the original building was constructed by the Episcopalians in the mid 1850'
Fort Riley, KS Historic Churches