LaBette County, KS
"For A Change Of Pace"Labette County has a proud history. It was created by the Territorial Legislature of 1854, and was named Dorn--after the Osage agent Major Andrew Jackson Dorn.
The first state legislature in Kansas renamed the county Neosho and the county seat was located at Erie.
In 1866, residents of the area petitioned the Legislature to provide a county of their own. The result was the first of Labette County, named after the French trader Pierre Beatte.
There are unique sites to visit in each community. Near the historical museum in Parsons, you'll also find the Iron Horse Museum. Parsons boasts being the Purple Martin Capital of the state.
Chetopa stakes its claim as being the Catfish Capital of Kansas. Its river-park is one of the few places in the world that provide fishermen the thrill of snagging big, spoonbill fish.
Oswego is the county seat. It, like the other communities in the county, seems to be the perfect representation of that quiet little town in the midwest that you read about in books. This is a place that time has honored by allowing many of the simple pleasures of a happier time to remain side by side with the advances of modern technology.
You'll find clean air, star-filled skies, the beauty of the outdoors, and the friendly folks that call this peaceful corner of Kansas home. Come visit us, soon.
Explore LaBette County
Louie P Gartner Recreation Area
Campers & bicyclists camp at the Idle Hour Lake at the Louie P Gartner Recreation Area while others enjoy playing Frisbee golf in a rustic, nature filled environment. 18 new DGA Mach II holes around the Louie P. Gartner/
Altamont, KS RecreationOswego Historical Society Museum
The collection includes photographs and memorabilia of Oswego's early days - back to 1841 when it was known officially as "Little Town.
Oswego, KS MuseumsCampgrounds
Elmore Park offers 28 public spaces with hookups, dump sites, and drinking water.
$10.00 per night for campers at improved sites, with or without electricity; $2.00 per night for tents at sites without hookups. Travel North on 3
Chetopa, KS RV ParksMKT Caboose
For information on moving to, or visiting Oswego, Kansas, stop by the Visitor's Center housed in an authentic Missouri, Kansas, and Texas (MKT) Caboose.
Oswego, KS Railroad HistoryParsons Historical Museum and Iron Horse Museum
Both museums house many interesting items - the Parsons Historical Museum has a complete dentist office, not to mention a very large photographic collection of people, places, and events all from Parsons' great past.
Parsons, KS MuseumsSmith-Hollingsworth Log Home
The log cabin home was built on this site in 1867
Oswego, KS Pioneer HistoryTed Watts Sports Art Gallery
Nationally acclaimed sports artist, Ted Watts, maintains a studio here and tours may be arranged. Sports Illustrated described Watts as "one of the fastest-rising sports illustrators in the country."
Oswego, KS ArtsCarnegie Arts Center
Opened in 1909 and formerly the Carnegie Library, the Carnegie Arts Center, is being transformed into a versatile new arts facility. Celebrations plans for the 100th Anniversary of the Carnegie are scheduled for May 2009
Parsons, KS Art CentersNeosho River Dam Fishing
Recreational opportunities abound with the Neosho River offering fine fishing for catfish, bass, and the annual paddlefish season occurring in Mid-to-late March. In fact, Chetopa is the "Catfish Capital of Kansas"
Chetopa, KS Fishing