Wabaunsee County, KS
This land was the home of the Pottawatomie and Kaw Indians before it became a county in 1882. The first log house was built in Wabaunsee County in 1842. It was first known as Richardson County but was later named for Chief Wabaunsee of the Pottawatomie Tribe and means "Dawn of Day". It is located in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. Thousands of cattle roamed our hills in spring and summer. Wild flowers grow abundantly and photographers find their dreams can come true.
Alma is the county seat, but became so only after three elections with Wabaunsee running a close second each time.
During the Civil War, people came from Connecticut wanting Kansas to remain a free state, and formed the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony bringing with them guns to fight if needed, and Bibles to teach others about Christianity.
An underground railroad was organized out in the country to help slaves escape to Canada, but it did not reach into the towns. The home of Captain Mitchell in the north part of the County was one of the stations to keep the slaves in hiding until they were taken into Iowa and on to Canada. Most of the early immigrants came into this area from Germany.
Each town in Wabaunsee County: Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Maple Hill, McFarland, Paxico and Wabaunsee, is a typical small town with friendly people who are happy to live here.
Explore Wabaunsee County
Historic Business District
As was common in Kansas after the Civil War, the railroad had a vested interest in developing new towns. In 1887
Paxico, KS Historic DowntownsAg Heritage Park
Living the farm life, Everett and Hazel have a natural passion for collecting antique farm machinery, as well as items that portray historic ag life. The "Ag Heritage Park" is the culmination of Everett and Hazel's efforts to collect memorabilia that commemorates ag life.
Alta Vista, KS MuseumsAlma City Office
This beautiful and stately native stone building was once one of the finest building in town. It was built in the early 1880s by the Limerick Brothers, two red-headed Irishmen. These freckled, Irishmen came swinging into Alma with a fortune of $375,000 to invest, which they did in splendid style.
Alma, KS Historic BuildingsWabaunsee High School
WHS serves the communities of Alma, McFarland, Paxico and Maple Hill. It was constructed in 1938 and is an example of one of the many native stone buildings located in Alma. With its limestone exterior and red tile roof, it is considered one of the most beautiful high schools in Kansas.
Alma, KS Historic BuildingsWabaunsee County Court House
This beautiful building was constructed in 1931. It is constructed of Carthage and native stone. The Carthage stone, used on the outside for facing, gives the appearance of a granite building. All outside walls are backed up with eight inches of native stone.
Alma, KS Historic CourthousesCity Well and Log Cabin
The City Well is a hand dug well enclosed in a native stone building, which was built in 1930. Well No. 3 was one of seven wells of which three were hand jug wells that supplied water to the City of Alma. In 1967
Alma, KS Historic BuildingsD.R. and E.W. Bruman/Schroeder Residence
Over the door, chiseled in ornate German script the date, 1882
Alma, KS Famous HomesHistoric Stone Fences
The federal government abolished the open range in a law passed in 1867. The government paid farmers $.40 per rod (16.5 feet) to build and maintain a 4.5
Alma, KS Scenic Drives