Lyon County, KS
While much of the settlement of Lyon County was made by immigrants from other states, as early as 1857 many Welsh were arriving, and they continued to come in large numbers through the 1880's. French, Swiss, and German settlers began coming in the 60's, also. The Welsh came in the largest numbers, the Germans next, and the French third. The Welsh secured the bottom land whenever possible while the Germans took the high prairie land and made excellent farms of this land - only a decade or two earlier condemned as worthless.
The first road in Lyon County was the Santa Fe Trail, entering from Osage County in an east to west direction approximately 3 miles north of Admire.
"Out of this community of people, which for want of a better name we will call Anglo-Saxon, has been developed the towns and county that abide today. It was inevitable it should grow as it has grown. To understand it, to appreciate it, to love it all, we must know its seeds and the beginnings of its growth."
~William Allen White ~
Explore Lyon County
Emporia Flint Hills Tours
A two day tour of Emporia, Cottonwood Falls and Council Grove. Historical Sites, food, shopping and fun are just a few of the things on the agenda. The itinerary is suggested and adaptable for individuals or groups.
Emporia, KS ToursEmporia Parks
C of E Park at 15th and Chestnut, Fremont Park at 4th and Union, Hammond Park at 18th between Center and State, Jones Park, south of 24
Emporia, KS ParksHowe House
Completed in 1867 as the home of local stonemason Richard Howe, this two-story limestone structure reflects Federal and Greek Revivals styles in addition to the building traditions of Howe'
Emporia, KS Famous HomesNational Teachers Hall of Fame
One of Emporia's premier attractions, it proudly recognizes and honors outstanding teachers K-12
Emporia, KS Halls of FameThe First Presbyterian Church
Designed by Charles W. Squires and built in 1897. The limestone block construction with multiple towers and large mitered, arched stained glass windows is typical of the Victorian influence. This church is an example of the Richardson Romanesque style.
Emporia, KS Historic ChurchesEmporia Center for the Arts
The Emporia Arts Council offices are in a building that was once a car dealership, and has been renovated with volunteer labor. The building also houses exhibits, classes, programs, theatre performances, and premiere performances by renowned artists.
Emporia, KS ArtsLyon County History Center and Historical Society
The Lyon County Historical Society was established in 1937 when it archives were first located in the basement of the Civic Auditorium/William L. White Auditorium. In 1980, operations moved just across the street to the vacant Emporia Public Library, formally the 1904
Emporia, KS MuseumsEmporia Zoo
The Emporia Zoo houses nearly 400 specimens including vultures and buffalo. One of the country's smallest accredited zoos is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo also features exceptional botanical displays and spectacular holiday lights.
Emporia, KS Zoos1904 Carnegie Library Building
The 1904 Carnegie Library Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, housed the Lyon County Historical Museum for 36 years from 1980 to 2016
Emporia, KS Carnegie Libraries