Sumner County, KS
Nestled 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
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 CemeteriesConway Springs Bandshell
Conway Springs has always taken great pride in its music which dates back to 1885. The bandshell in Central Park was built by subscription in 1910
Conway Springs, KS AmphitheatersOld 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 MillsChisholm Trail Markers
A permanent, cut stone marker identifies the location of the Chisholm Trail that led to the largest cattle market of its time in the entire world in the 1870's.
Caldwell, KS Historical MarkersBorder 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 MuseumsThe 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 MillsGhost Riders of the Chisholm Trail Silhouette
The "Ghost Riders of the Chisholm Trail" are life-size cattle drive figures on stoney bluff astride the real Chisholm Trail. The "Ghosts" will forever remind us of the great cattle drives, 1866-1886
Caldwell, KS ArtsCaldwell Railroads
The Santa Fe Railroad was the first railroad that came into Caldwell. Traces of the pens are still visible as well as the roundhouse.
Caldwell, KS Railroad HistoryConway Springs Churches
Five churches are active in the Conway Springs community: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), First Baptist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church, and the United Methodist Church.
Conway Springs, KS Historic Churches"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 ToursThe Chisholm Trail Museum
Wellington's Chisholm Trail Museum contains over 40 rooms filled with over 20,000 artifacts and pictures, most collected locally, some dating back to the Civil War and the early days cattle trail that passed west of Wellington.
The building itself is a reinforced concrete structure built in 19
Wellington, KS Museums