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Sumner County, KS

Sumner CountyNestled within Sumner County are seven cities brimming with popular attractions, historic sites, cultural activities, festivals and rodeos. For its 25,000 residents, Sumner County boasts excellent recreational facilities, museums sharing the frontier spirit, many special events and several historical sites listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.

Sumner County's rich history began when Texans drove their cattle over the Chisholm Trail to the railroad station in Abilene. The Texas drovers were suprised and delighted to find full streams and rich grasslands for their herds. News spread about the opportunities, and the homesteaders made their way to this area. Wellington was designated as the permanent county seat in 1872.

The county's heritage included violent murders, grasshopper plagues, floods and droughts, and threats of Indian raids. Flour mills were erected and the first railroads were built to help market the county's huge wheat yields.

It's easy to get to Sumner County by auto on I-35 north/south or 160 east/west. Commercial air service is only 30 minutes away in Wichita.

Explore Sumner County

Border Queen Museum

The Border Queen Museum exhibits antiques and artifacts preserving the culture and history of the area. A restored Union Pacific caboose houses railroad artifacts. Located in the city park.

Caldwell, KS Museums

Carnegie Library

The Caldwell Carnegie Library was one of 59 public libraries constructed in Kansas. Built in 1912, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

Caldwell, KS Carnegie Libraries

The Chisholm Trail

The city of Wellington, Kansas, lies just 7 miles east of the cattle trail of the 1870's that led to the largest cattle market of its time in the entire world. While those days are over 120

Wellington, KS Pioneer History


Cranmer House

One Conway Springs home is of special interest because it was built by the founder of the town, Hiram M. Cranmer, and was one of the first larger homes in the community. Mr. Cranmer built his first home in what was to become Conway Springs - a sod house located at what is now 217

Conway Springs, KS Historic Homes

Caldwell Cemetery

See the tombstones of Cadwell's notorious ancestors in Caldwell Cemetery. George Wood, husband of Mag Wood, were the owners of the famous Red Light Saloon.

Caldwell, KS Cemeteries

The Old Mill

The Old Mill was built in 1874 by D.N. Cook and John Hewitt. A 3 mile race was hand-dug parallel to the Arkansas River which produced the electricity necessary to run the mill. A dam was built across the river to help the mill grow. In 1910

Oxford, KS Historic Mills

Old Mill and Elevator

The Old Mill and Elevator was originally built as a flour mill in the 1880s on the Santa Fe tracks by the Kramer Milling Company.

Caldwell, KS Historic Mills

Post Office Mural

The Caldwell Post Office, built in the 1930s, is listed on the National Historic Register, as it displays one of the collection of murals commissioned during the Depression Era by the WPA. The mural, "Cowboys Driving Cattle," was painted by Kenneth Evett in 1941.

Caldwell, KS Arts

"Talking Tombstones Tour"

During the "Talking Tombstones Tour", some of Caldwell's infamous cowtown characters"come back" to tell their stories at their real graves.

Caldwell, KS Tours

Wellington Parks

Woods Park - 183 acres for fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Sellers Park - baseball field with covered stadium, football field and stadium.

Worden Park - 14

Wellington, KS Recreation

Wellington Municipal Golf Course

Wellington Municipal Golf Course is one of the finest courses in the region! *18 Holes *Car Rental *Pro Shop

Wellington, KS Golf Courses

Explore Sumner County