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
Smith-Hollingsworth Log Home
The log cabin home was built on this site in 1867
Oswego, KS Pioneer HistoryMKT 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 Municipal Auditorium
The Parsons Municipal Auditorium is a classic, 1920s-era civic auditorium. For more than 50
Parsons, KS Historic BuildingsCampgrounds
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 ParksOswego 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 MuseumsTed 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 ArtsOswego Murals
National Patriotic Themes - This mural is painted on a side building behind the Visitor Center Caboose at Hiways 59 and 96. It was painted in 1992 by Mary Faye (Casey)
Oswego, KS ArtsNeosho 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 FishingAltamont Swimming Pool
Hours: Daily 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Family Swim: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Swim Lessons To be announced Sign up by calling City Office 784-5612 Pool Parties: Call 620-820-9090 $40: 1-25, $60: 26-50, $80: 51 &
Altamont, KS Swimming