Jefferson County, KS
Originally the land was the home of the Kanza Indian tribe where buffalo roamed. In 1827 Major Daniel M. Boone, son of famous Kentucky pioneer Daniel Boone, established Kansas' first settlement in Jefferson County. The United States Government established a reservation there for the Delaware Indians who were relocated from Indiana and Ohio. The "Old Military Trail" route through the county was used by the cavalry between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley.Jefferson County is named in honor of former President Thomas Jefferson. It was Jefferson who acquired this parcel of land as a part of his famous Louisiana Purchase.
In the 1850s Kansas became a territory, and county boundaries were established by Kansas' first Territorial Congress. It was a violent era known as "Bleeding Kansas" because of the conflict between Free-Staters (Jayhawkers) and the proslavery faction. Jefferson County was the sight of two major Civil War battles--the Battle of Hickory Point and the Battle of Slough Creek.
After the Civil War, railroads became a dominant factor in the growth of Jefferson County Land grants were awarded to the Kansas Pacific (Union Pacific) and Atchison-Topeka (Santa Fe) railroads. The land grants were a major incentive for immigrants to settle in Kansas. This resulted in the development and growth of a prosperous agricultural region.
Today, the spirit of the pioneer continues in one of the most beautiful parts of Kansas. Come visit Jefferson County..for the fun of it.
Explore Jefferson County
Wellman Schoolhouse
The school was built in 1887 on the homestead of Harrison W. Wellman, in the southeast part of Jefferson County. It is typical of the many one-room country schools that were located every few miles within the county and throughout the country. School Ditrict #70 was formed in 1871
Oskaloosa, KS Pioneer LifeCottonwood Station
Welcome to Meriden's unique living history frontier town with a three-story flour mill, a sawmill, blacksmith shop, livery barn, print shop, post office, historic 1870 bridge, historic 1854 log cabin, 1895
Meriden, KS MuseumsLutheran Church
Built in 1857, the Reverand J. B. McAfee's little Lutheran Church was the first Lutheran Church west of the Missouri River. It 1891 it was moved to its present location from three blocks north.
Valley Falls, KS Historic ChurchesTibbot Schoolhouse
Originally a country schoolhouse located southeast of Oskaloosa, the Tibbot school was moved to Oskaloosa in the 1950's and became part of the grade school, along with the Lone Tree, Kilgour and Plum Grove country schools. The building was moved to Old Jefferson Town in 1975.
Oskaloosa, KS Pioneer Life
Winchester Jail
Built in 1909, this jail came from the town of Winchester, Kansas. Since it was not fireproof, it was never locked. It was a place for drunks and tramps to sleep. The jail was a meeting place for the city council, police court and voting.
Oskaloosa, KS Pioneer LifeOld Jefferson Town, Museum, and Research Library
Old Jefferson Town is a collection of nine restored and furnished vintage buildings from different locations around Jefferson County. They are preserved as a historic town of early day settlements. The town was named because of Jefferson County being referred to as Ol' Jefferson.
Oskaloosa, KS MuseumsValley Falls City Park
The City Park at Valley Falls is the site of the annual Softball Marathan in September when teams compete around the clock for their moment of glory. Two ball complexes keep the pace going, while there'
Valley Falls, KS ParksNincehelser House
William J. Nincehelser moved to Jefferson County from Ohio about 1880, married Minnie Wendorff, and moved into this house in Oskaloosa. Mr. Nincehelser had a livery stable on the square and operated a
Oskaloosa, KS MuseumsValley Falls Historical Museum
The Museum is housed in a native limestone structure built in 1884 and called the McGammon Building. Both floors are open to a collection of local artifacts, including a printing press, home and farm implements, dishes, and furniture.
Valley Falls, KS MuseumsBowstring Bridge
Built in Cleveland, Ohio, the bowstring bridge was originally located across Rock Creek, north of Meridan, in 1875.
The 48-ft long, 14-ft wide bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 1990
Oskaloosa, KS National RegisterPrevious State Champion Cottonwood Tree
Records are always challenged to be broken, but at one time this tree carried the distinction of the state of Kansas Champion Cottonwood Tree and is located on Highway 92
Ozawkie, KS Natural AttractionsDowntown Antiques
Enjoy walking along historic downtown Valley Falls and shopping for collectibles or treasures in the antique shops. Stop for a soda at Frank's Original Soda Fountain, or ice cream at the local Ice Cream Parlor. Please stop by the museum, and if it'
Valley Falls, KS Historic Downtowns