— March 2026 —

See the Model Trains & Historic Depot March 20 & 21

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Looking for places to Visit? Check out the “Explore the Area” tab for local historic sites to visit! Click Explore the Area

Our new “Explore the Area” tab features information about sites of historical interest in the local area. Self-guided tours are also included. Hours of operation, background information, and links to further information on this website are included. More sites and tours will be added.

• Sites to visit that are always open:
• Black Jack Wagon Train Ruts and Ivan Boyd Boyd Prairie
• Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park
• Historic Palmyra Well
• Signal Oak – new info on our site – see below
• Women’s Bridge
• Oakwood Cemetery
• Pioneer Cemetery
• Prairie City and Mt. Calvary Cemeteries (at same location)
• Vinland Cemetery

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New Local History Written about Signal Oak!

Signal Oak was a huge oak tree used to communicate the movements of proslavers during the Bleeding Kansas Days. It was located north of current Baldwin City on a high ridge called Simmon’s Hill or Barricklow Hill. This hill was also the site of other historic events and local history. Read a full history of Signal Oak and its surround area using this link – Signal Oak.

Find information about visiting the Signal Oak site at Explore the Area. It is open to the public every day during daylight hours and is free to visit.

Find information about other local historic places under the “Baldwin and Local Area History – Places” tabs! Tabs for historic people and historic events can also be found under the main tab.

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“Our Local History” Event April 18!

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Black Jack Battlefield & Nature Park Update – New Owners and Under New Management

What Good Does Funding Given to SFTHS Do?

“Rabbit Ears” landmark along the Santa Fe Trail, located northwest of Clayton, NM.

The double peak of Rabbit Ears Mountain directed travelers on the Cimarron Route of the Santa Fe Trail toward their destination. Visible across the prairies in present-day Oklahoma and Eastern New Mexico, the mountain was a vital landmark for guiding weary, disoriented travelers and a sign that restorative water, grazing grass, and wood were near. If resources were plentiful, travelers would stay in the area a few days to rest and replenish their energy before continuing their journey. Westbound travelers still had around 200 miles to travel before reaching Santa Fe.

Some accounts suggest the two peaks look like rabbit ears (leading to its name), but most historical accounts attribute the name to Chief Orejo de Conejos (Rabbit Ears) who was killed on the mountain in a battle with Spanish colonizers in 1717. 

Information from National Parks Service https://www.nps.gov/places/rabbit-ears-mountain.htm

___________________________________________________________

— Jan 2026 —

2026 has gotten off to a great start!

• Our Giving for Good fundraising campaign was a HUGE success! Thanks to so many generous donors and matching funds from the Douglas County Community Foundation and the Friends of Baldwin City Public Library, OVER $10,000 was raised! We deeply appreciate your support!
• Keep reading for information about our first “Our Local History” events for the year.
• Finally, membership/support of our organization information is provided. All our events are free to the public. We also maintain 7 historic sites. Memberships help provide the funds for these activities and help us as we strive to preserve and share our local history with others.

^^^^^^

New Our Local History Display in The Kansas Room – The History of the Baldwin City Public Library

The Kansas Room is in the Baldwin City Public Library – 800 7th Street, Baldwin City 66006

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“Our Local History” – Feb. 7 – 3-5

“Katharine Kelley – Local Author, Historian, and Founder of The Kansas Room” presented at 3:14, 3:45, 4:15 in The Kansas Room​

Miss Kelley’s scrapbooks will be on display – with photos of her 1000+ students – and more!

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More “Our Local History” – Feb, 22

“Did The Underground Railroad Use Our Farm?” – presented by local resident Jan Elder

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New Local History Book in The Kansas Room

The Kansas Room is in the Baldwin City Public Library – 800 7th Street, Baldwin City 66006

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What Good Does Funding Given to SFTHS Do?

___________________________________________________________

— Dec. 2025 —

(Note: working donation link is under the promotion slide)

To Donate Online click: https://dccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=53467

A full description of the 2025 Giving For Good project can be found at: 2025 DCCF Giving For Good Campaign

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“Our Local History” Repeat Performance – John Richards is Back!

Jan 3 – 12:30 – Come early to get a seat!!!

^^^^^^

Our Local History Displays in The Kansas Room

The Kansas Room is in the Baldwin City Public Library – 800 7th Street, Baldwin City 66006

^^^^^^

What Good Does Funding Given to SFTHS Do?

Click this link to Join Us! (Membership)

___________________________________________________________

— Nov. 2025 —

SFTHS presents a lot of updated and new local history information this month along with membership details below.

FINALLY – Our Driving Tour Is Back!!!

The tour (and website) shares detailed information about each of the 11 historic

• Black Jack Ruts and Ivan L. Boyd Memorial Prairie Preserve
• Black Jack Cemetery and Town Site (Not on the tour)
• Black Jack Battlefield
• Palmyra Well
• Palmyra Townsite DAR Marker
• Trail Park & The Narrows
• Hickory Point & The Coleman-Dow Incident
• Brooklyn Town Site DAR Marker and Quantill’s 1863 Raid
• Willow Springs Townsite DAR Marker & the Military Trail Connection
• Globe DAR Marker
• Simmon’s Point Stagecoach Stop
• Baden Post Office DAR Marker

Go to Drive the Santa Fe Trail Thru Douglas County!!!! for tour link and information!

^^^^^^

Our Local History Displays in The Kansas Room

The Kansas Room is in the Baldwin City Public Library – 800 7th Street, Baldwin City 66006

^^^^^^

New Tab: Explore The Area

Our new “Explore the Area” tab features information about sites of historical interest in the local area. Self-guided tours are also included. Hours of operation, background information, and links to further information on this website are included. More sites and tours will be added.

Click this link to the page: Explore the Area

^^^^^^

What Good Does Funding Given to SFTHS Do?

Click this link to Join Us! (Membership)

^^^^^^

Giving For Good Campaign Starts Dec 2

SFTHS is committed to preserving and sharing local history. Our group supports The Kansas Room (the history room) at the Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL). In the past, we have joined with BCPL to raise funds through the Giving For Good Campaign to digitize (scan) over 350 fragile real estate abstracts kept in The Kansas Room. Many of these abstracts were written on fragile paper (some on onion skin), were very old, tearing, and were better if not handled. But many patrons are interested in the information they contain. Donated funds allowed these precious abstracts and their historic information to be scanned. Soon the will be put on the computer so the information can be accessed safely. The abstracts are now stored safely in the archives.

This fall, we are again partnering with BCPL to to raise funds. The Kansas Room contains hundreds of historic photos and documents. The Kansas Room plans to establish a website so these photos, the real estate abstracts, indexes and lists of their collections and other treasures can be made accessible to the public. Some photos have already been scanned and other items indexed, but much work remains to be done. We and BCPL are hoping to raise at least $5 to put towards the scanning, indexing and uploading of these photos and records.

Our campaign begins Dec 2 and last through Dec. 31, 2025. Watch the website and your emails for info. We appreciate any support you choose to give! (Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) sponsors the Giving for Good Campaign.)

^^^^^^

“Our Local History” Repeat Performance – John Richards is Back!

Jan 3 – 12:30 – Come early to get a seat!!!

___________________________________________________________

— Oct. 2025 —

Saturday, Oct. 18 ONLY

Sat. & Sun. Oct. 18 & Oct. 19

Black Jack Wagon Ruts and Ivan Boyd Prairie, 2011 N 200 Road, Wellsville, 66092

• 3 miles east of Baldwin City on US 56 highway. South side of highway at roadside park.
• FREE, Open to the public every day during daylight hours.
• Signs explaining the significance of the area, a replica 1850’s log cabin, ¼ mile (400 m) loop trail along and through 5 prominent wagon ruts, some nearly 4 feet deep.
• The ruts were created by thousands of wagons, mules, oxen, and people traveling to and from Santa Fe between 1821-1880’s. Over 5 ruts cross 18 acres of native tall grass prairie that contain over 200 species of wildflowers, grasses, and sedges. Different species are in bloom every week of summer.
• Find more information at Black Jack Ruts Walking Trail Project

^^^^^

Sunday, Oct. 19 ONLY

Last Chance to Visit Local Historic Site!

Coal Creek Library will be closing for winter soon. If you haven’t visited yet, you might think about stopping by. A beautifully preserved, treasured, and interesting site.

^^^^^^^

Local Author John Musgrave to Speak – Nov 8.

John’s talks are always informative and moving. You won’t want to miss this.

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

Artist: Wayne Cooper “The Santa Fe Trail”

For more info about this artwork: https://oksenate.gov/education/senate-artwork/santa-fe-trail

___________________________________________________________

— Sept. 2025 —

Help Preserve Our Local History by Cleaning Tombstones!

Over 200 historic Prairie City Cemetery (established in 1855) tombstones have been cleaned so far. Previously unreadable scriptures, texts, drawings and names have been discovered. YOU can be part of the process of rediscovering and preserving history.

^^^^^

John Richards Speaks Again – Need We Say More?

(Note: Link below the slide actually works!)

Here’s the link: https://soundcloud.com/1320klwn/08-04-25-timeline-radio-2?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252F1320klwn%252F08-04-25-timeline-radio-2

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Local History Crafts at 3rd Fridays – Sept. 19

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“Our Local History” Event – Sept. 20

You won’t want to miss this unique event featuring an original historical play written and directed by a local playwright!

^^^^^

Please join us for our Fall Potluck Dinner & Presentation!

Note: NEW LOCATION: First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall (Lower Level), 704 8th Street

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Clearfield Schoolhouse is Open for the Kaw Valley Farm Tour! – Oct. 4 & 5

After a brief absence from the tour as the missing belltower was rebuilt, the school house has been reopened. Come experience the school days of old.

^^^^^

^^^^^

Local Author John Musgrave to Speak – Nov 8.

John’s talks are always informative and moving. You won’t want to miss this.

^^^^^^^

Last Chance to Visit Local Historic Site!

Coal Creek Library will be closing for winter soon. If you haven’t visited yet, you might think about stopping by. A beautifully preserved, treasured, and interesting site.

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— Aug. 2025 —

Local History Crafts at 3rd Fridays – August 15

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Learn about Local History at the new Palmyra Well sign!!

No one really knows what Palmyra (located north of Baldwin City – where Kwik Shop is) actually looked like, but SFTHS President Roger Boyd and local artist Christina Malicky worked together to research and design this depiction. The sign is positioned so the viewer is looking toward the probable location of the buildings in the painting. Historical information is included on the sign. Come visit at 400 Washington Street – two blocks east of BJHS.

^^^^^

Please join us for our Fall Potluck Dinner & Presentation!

Note: NEW LOCATION: First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall (Lower Level), 704 8th Street

^^^^^

BU Students Excavate Earliest Building of Baldwin Catholic Church!

These students were led by our own, Professor Nick Pumphrey!! Check out the video at: https://youtu.be/zEcoD-T4-n0?si=_V50MqbceJLj0e36

Read the history of Annunciation Catholic church – started in 1857 on the Butel homestead outside of Baldwin on this website at: https://santafetraildouglas.org/annunciation-catholic-church-oldest-catholic-church-in-kansas-prairie-city-ks/ 

^^^^

“Our Local History” Event – To Be Repeated!!!

Due to community demand, the fabulous John Richards presentation WILL BE REPREATED sometime over winter break!! STAY TUNED for details!!!!

^^^^^

New News: Dr. Callahan will be writing a book about DR. Still!!

We’ll keep you posted!!

(Note: Links below the slide actually work!)

Working link to article: https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2025/06/learn-more-about-the-involvement-of-a-t-still-md-do-in-the-abolitionist-movement-in-kansas/

Learn more about Dr. Still at https://atstilldo.com

^^^^^^^

A New Opportunity….

(Note: Links below the slide actually work!)

For info from archeology team: Austin Buhta (605) 274-4369 dig@augie.edu

Info at Do. Co.: https://www.dgcoks.gov/administration/heritage-conservation-council

^^^^^^^

Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA) Symposium 2025

September 24-27 in Council Grove, KS.

SFTA is the National organization the oversees the preservation and promotion of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT).  Our organization, SFTHS of Douglas County, is part of the national organization and cares for the part of the SFT going through Douglas County.

The Symposium event brings together everyone interested in the SFT and its history and preservation.  It is open to non-members and members.

The 2025 Santa Fe Trail Association Symposium “Marking A Road to Santa Fe: Set Your Sights on Sibley” registration is now available on the Associations web site.

• Please click on below link for the registration.
  • https://santafetrail.org/2025-symposium-registration/

• For information about the symposium go to this symposium web and click on “events”:
• https://www.councilgrove.com/

• Having trouble finding lodging in Council Grove? Check out this link for Hotels in Manhattan and Emporia? Check out: https://www.manhattancvb.org/hotels/

^^^^^^^

Visit Local Historic Site

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— July 2025 —

Local History Crafts at 3rd Fridays – June 20

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“Our Local History” Event – July 26

^^^^^^^

More Local History!

(Note: Links below the slide actually work!)

Working link to article: https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2025/06/learn-more-about-the-involvement-of-a-t-still-md-do-in-the-abolitionist-movement-in-kansas/

Learn more about Dr. Still at https://atstilldo.com

^^^^^^^

A New Opportunity….

(Note: Links below the slide actually work!)

For info from archeology team: Austin Buhta (605) 274-4369 dig@augie.edu

Info at Do. Co.: https://www.dgcoks.gov/administration/heritage-conservation-council

^^^^^^^

Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA) Symposium 2025

September 24-27 in Council Grove, KS.

SFTA is the National organization the oversees the preservation and promotion of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT).  Our organization, SFTHS of Douglas County, is part of the national organization and cares for the part of the SFT going through Douglas County.

The Symposium event brings together everyone interested in the SFT and its history and preservation.  It is open to non-members and members.

The 2025 Santa Fe Trail Association Symposium “Marking A Road to Santa Fe: Set Your Sights on Sibley” registration is now available on the Associations web site.

• Please click on below link for the registration.
  • https://santafetrail.org/2025-symposium-registration/

• For information about the symposium go to this symposium web and click on “events”:
• https://www.councilgrove.com/

• Having trouble finding lodging in Council Grove? Check out this link for Hotels in Manhattan and Emporia? Check out: https://www.manhattancvb.org/hotels/

^^^^^^^

Visit Local Historic Site

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

___________________________________________________________

— May 2025 —

Summer is here and we have activities galore! “Our Local History” events to attend, books to read, sites to visit, crafts to make, volunteer activities and a weekend packed with Santa Fe Trail info and bus trips! Details are below!

Visit Local Historic Site

^^^^^^^

Volunteer to Care For Local History!

• 100 tombstones have been cleaned so far thanks to volunteer efforts!
• Beautiful carvings, scripture passages and even stories about the deceased have been uncovered.
• Recently, 14 junior high students from Baldwin, Eudora and Wellsville participated and did a fabulous job. We appreciate their help.
• If you would like to be added to the cemetery’s email list for notifications about cleaning dates and other activities, let us know at Contact Us

^^^^^^^

“Our Local History” Event #1 – June 14

• The Lawrence Model Railroad Club displays & works on their model trains at the Depot.
• They look forward to holding more events for the community and kids of all ages.
• Look for information here and on their website lawrencemodelrailroadclub.org which will be updated soon.

^^^^^^^

“Our Local History” Event #2 – June 21

• Buses will pick up on 7^th Street next to the post office. 
• This is a riding tour only – no getting on and off. 
• Seating is limited, so come early.
• Our guides are extremely knowledgeable – you WON’T be disappointed!

^^^^^^^

Local History Crafts at 3rd Fridays – June 20

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Check Out (Literally!) these Santa Fe Trail books from the Kansas Room at the Baldwin City Public Library!

Look for more books and booklets about the SFT on the shelves under the “Santa Fe Trail Books” sign in The Kansas Room – most available for check out! All are marked with a covered wagon sticker.

^^^^^^^

Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA) Symposium 2025

September 24-27 in Council Grove, KS.

SFTA is the National organization the oversees the preservation and promotion of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT).  Our organization, SFTHS of Douglas County, is part of the national organization and cares for the part of the SFT going through Douglas County.

The Symposium event brings together everyone interested in the SFT and its history and preservation.  It is open to non-members and members.

The 2025 Santa Fe Trail Association Symposium “Marking A Road to Santa Fe: Set Your Sights on Sibley” registration is now available on the Associations web site.

• Please click on below link for the registration.
  • https://santafetrail.org/2025-symposium-registration/

• For information about the symposium go to this symposium web and click on “events”:
• https://www.councilgrove.com/

• Having trouble finding lodging in Council Grove? Check out this link for Hotels in Manhattan and Emporia? Check out: https://www.manhattancvb.org/hotels/

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

Artist: Wayne Cooper “The Santa Fe Trail”

For more info about this artwork: https://oksenate.gov/education/senate-artwork/santa-fe-trail

********************************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

___________________________________________________________

— March 2025 —

Check Out (Literally!) these Santa Fe Trail books from the Kansas Room at the Baldwin City Public Library!

Look for more books and booklets about the SFT on the shelves under the “Santa Fe Trail Books” sign in The Kansas Room – most available for check out! All are marked with a covered wagon sticker.

^^^^^^^

Booklets about Local History can also be found in the Kansas Room at the Baldwin Public Library. Look for them on the shelves labeled “Our Local History.”

Interested in MORE Local History?

Check out the “Baldwin & Local Area History” tab.

• Information is arranged by these categories:
  • People – Baldwin & Local History – People (includes organizations & groups)
  • Places – Baldwin & Local History – Places (includes buildings)
  • Events – Baldwin & Local History – Events

^^^^^^^

It’s time to renew your membership OR

Would you please consider joining or supporting SFTHS?

Your $10 ($20 Family) membership or donation helps us maintain and preserve our 7 historical sites and promote and present the local history of our area!

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

^^^^^^^

In case you missed the February meeting, here is the Annual Meeting Summary.

• 56 people attended! (Including 9 Baker University history students!!)
• Dr. Callahan’s presentation about A.T, Still was fabulous!
• The food was delicious and plentiful.
• Marvin Jardon was presented with a commemorative certificate in appreciation of over 30 years of service as Treasurer.
• Officers and Board Members elected – see Officers and Board Members
• Here is a summary of our activities for the last year:

^^^^^^^

^^^^^^^

COMING SOON!!!

Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA) Symposium 2025

September 24-27 in Council Grove, KS.

SFTA is the National organization the oversees the preservation and promotion of the Santa Fe Trail (SFT).  Our organization, SFTHS of Douglas County, is part of the national organization and cares for the part of the SFT going through Douglas County.

The Symposium event brings together everyone interested in the SFT and its history and preservation.  It is open to non-members and members.

• Information about the Symposium can be found on the SFTA website: https://santafetrail.org/
  • More information will be posted as plans progress.
• Registration is open and can be found on the SFTA website: https://santafetrail.org/2025-symposium-registration/
• Activities include: speakers, bus tours, banquets

^^^^^^^

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— Jan. 2025 —

Please join us for our Annual Meeting, Potluck Dinner & Speaker!

This event is free of charge and open to everyone!

Dr. Daryl Callahan has been researching A.T. Still for years. Still was a Douglas County pioneer and the founder of Osteopathy. Dr. Callahan, also a DO, was searching for Still’s homestead during Quantrill’s Raid last year when we asked for our assistance. Thanks to assistance from our email group, the homestead site was found!

Come hear about this and other interesting but little known information about the amazing A.T. Still!

^^^^^^^

New “Our Local History” Series Info

Interested in MORE Local History?

Check out the “Baldwin & Local Area History” tab.

• Information is arranged by these categories:
  • People – Baldwin & Local History – People (includes organizations & groups)
  • Places – Baldwin & Local History – Places (includes buildings)
  • Events – Baldwin & Local History – Events

^^^^^^^

Check out the new publications by SFTHS!

Go to the Publications by SFTHS tab to read, download, or print.

Below are photos of the covers and descriptions of the books:

Plants of the Black Jack Prairie 2nd Ed, 2024, SFTHS

Information and color photos of the plants of the tall-grass prairie unique to the eastern end of the Santa Fe Trail. Learn about the care given to maintain this prairie.

I Rode With John Brown_ Kansas & Border Warfare In The 1850s

First hand account of John Brown and his Kansas activities written by one of the five survivors of the Battle of Osawatomie. This survivor was the ancestor of Baldwin native, Don Nutt.

• If you live in Baldwin City, and would like a printed copy, you may purchase one at the library.
• Cost is $5 for color or $2 for black & white copies. (Cash or check only).
• Please call ahead to place your order. (The library reserves the right to limit the number of copies per person or family.)
  • OR: Come read a copy in the Kansas Room (History Room) at the Baldwin City library.

^^^^^^^

Website tabs have been rearranged!

New tab: Chapter Info & Activities combines two tabs into one!

• It now contains:
  • About Us
  • Join us! (Membership)
  • Officers & Board Members
  • Calendar
  • Chapter Activities
  • Awards & Honors

New tab: Explore the Area added!

• It will feature places to visit and things to do and learn in the Baldwin, Vinland, and Southern Douglas County area.
• Watch for information to be added soon!
• New info will be highlighted here – In The News! – as it is added.

Currently the “Driving the Santa Fe Tour” app through Freedom’s Frontier is NOT WORKING!

• We apologize for the inconvenience.
• We are looking for other ways to provide this tour information and will keep you posted.
  • Stay tuned to this page!

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

Artist: Wayne Cooper “The Santa Fe Trail”

For more info about this artwork: https://oksenate.gov/education/senate-artwork/santa-fe-trail

___________________________________________________________

— Nov. 2024 —

New Publications from SFTHS!

Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County promotes the history of the Baldwin and Vinland areas and the rest of the Southern Douglas County area as well as the Santa Fe Trail. In the 1970s and 80s, the group published many booklets about local history. Currently, we are updating, revising and adding to these wonderful treasures to continue to share this important information with new generations.

We are proud to announce the completion of two new editions! Each can be read, downloaded, and printed from this website at

Publications by SFTHS

Below are photos of the covers and descriptions of the books:

Plants of The Black Jack Prairie & Ivan Boyd Memorial Prairie Preserve

Information and color photos of the plants of the tall-grass prairie unique to the eastern end of the Santa Fe Trail. Learn about the care given to maintain this prairie.

I Rode With John Brown: Kansas & Border Warfare in the 1850s

First hand account of John Brown and his Kansas activities written by one of the five survivors of the Battle of Osawatomie. This survivor was the ancestor of Baldwin native, Don Nutt.

• If you live in Baldwin City, and would like a printed copy, you may purchase one at the library.
• Cost is $5 for color or $2 for black & white copies. (Cash or check only).
• Please call ahead to place your order. (The library reserves the right to limit the number of copies per person or family.)
  • OR: Come read a copy in the Kansas Room (History Room) at the Baldwin City library.

^^^^^^^

Fall Meeting Summary

Our Fall Meeting and Potluck Supper were held Sept. 21. Close to 60 people attended!!

Our outstanding presenter was Dr. Jim Hoy telling us many interesting Kansas folktales and legends.

President Roger Boyd presented the following brief update on recent and on-going activities within the organization:

• Black Jack Cabin was open for visitors the last Saturday in May and all Saturdays in June. Wildflowers were labeled along the trail in the prairie.
• The Clearfield Bell Tower has been completed along with the installation of a 20” school bell donated by Jon Boyd from his grandfather’s farm near Creston, Iowa.
  • We are in the process of replacing the shingles on the south end of the schoolhouse between the doors.  The funds for the tower and other repairs came from Douglas County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
  • A large walnut tree threatening the back of the schoolhouse and an additional large limb hanging over the front of the building were removed.
• The Vinland Grange project finally started in June.   The west wall of the building has shifted over the years.  We are excavating alongside the stone foundation, re-chinking the stone then excavating 3 ft. wide spaces at a time under the foundation, pouring concrete and then moving to the next area after it has cured.  We will also excavate 6 ft. on both sides and put additional foundation under it.  We are also replacing the concrete cast steps and concrete block wall for the steps on the east side of the building.  At the same time, we have had screen windows built to cover and protect the second-floor windows.  These projects are being funded by ARPA funds from the county and a Heritage Trust Fund grant from the Kansas State Historic Office.  The projects should be done by late October.
• Ongoing projects include monitoring the four geocache sites in the county that are part of the SFT Geocache Tour (there are 73 caches along the trail in total) as well as monitoring, painting, replacing various wooden and metal signs around the area.  We also need to keep our sites mowed through the summer.   Galen Jardon is stepping up to care for several of the sites. 
• John More continues to put out a flag display at the Black Jack Cabin on various different holidays and other commemorations. 
• We continue to encourage you to pay your annual dues to SFTHS if you haven’t for 2024 and to also support the national Santa Fe Trail Association through your membership.

^^^^^^^

Maple Leaf Events Well-Attended

All of the Maple Leaf weekend “Our Local History” events were very well-attended! These events are jointly coordinated and sponsored by Santa Fe Trail Historical Society and Baldwin City Public Library. The History Department of Baker University also joined in for this weekend. Here are the attendance numbers:

• Black Jack Cabin and Ruts Walking Trail: 85
• History Bus Tours: 50+ (we need more or bigger buses next year!)
• Santa Fe Depot Open with Lawrence Model Railroad Display: 85
• Palmyra Post Office/Bloods Grocery Store & Old Castle Museum: 74
• Quayle Bible Collection: 122

Thanks to ALL of our volunteers for setting up and manning these wonderful events and “sharing our local history” with so many!!

^^^^^^^

We are on Facebook!

Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563795740080

^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— Sept. 2024 —

The “Our Local History” Series is a program sharing the history of Baldwin and the surrounding area as well as information about the Santa Fe Trail (SFT). It is created by Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and Santa Fe Trail Historical Society.

Find information about the “Our Local History” program

• posted here each quarter. 
• at the Baldwin City KS Public Library Facebook Page – updated on a regular basis.
• to receive emails about the programs that will be offered at the library, contact the BCPL Adult Activity Coordinator, at circdesk1@baldwin.lib.ks.us and ask her to put you on her list.  She’ll send info about this and all other programs for adults offered at BCPL.

^^^^^^^

Volunteer Opportunity in Preservation at Cemetery!

Information about the history of Prairie City Cemetery and those interred there, can be found on this website at https://santafetraildouglas.org/prairie-city-cemetery/

^^^^^^^

We are on Facebook!

Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563795740080

^^^^^^^

Coming Soon – If you were at the Fall Potluck Dinner and Meeting, you heard a summary of our activities and about two new publications put out by our group. This information will be on the website later in October!

^^^^^^^

Historic Coal Creek Library Open Sundays 1-4

Thru Oct!

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— Aug. 2024 —

Newest Event from “Our Local History” Series

Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6:00 p.m.

^^^^^^^

The “Our Local History” Series is a program sharing the history of Baldwin and the surrounding area as well as information about the Santa Fe Trail (SFT). It is created by Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and Santa Fe Trail Historical Society.

Find information about the “Our Local History” program

• posted here each quarter. 
• at the Baldwin City KS Public Library Facebook Page – updated on a regular basis.
• to receive emails about the programs that will be offered at the library, contact the BCPL Adult Activity Coordinator, at circdesk1@baldwin.lib.ks.us and ask her to put you on her list.  She’ll send info about this and all other programs for adults offered at BCPL.

^^^^^^^

Saturday, Sept. 21 at 5:00 p.m.

We hope you’ll join us!

^^^^^^^

Saturday, Sept. 28 from 6-9 p.m. 

FREE craft on the last 3rd Friday – really SATURDAY!

Look for us in front of Jardon Insurance – 705 Eighth Street!

^^^^^^^

We are on Facebook!

Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563795740080

Check out the page and please like/follow the page to share it with your friends!

Thanks Nick P. for setting this up and managing it!

^^^^^^^

Historic Coal Creek Library Open Sundays 1-4

Thru Oct!

^^^^^^^^^^

Did you know?

Our group owns and/or maintains these six historic sites in Southern Douglas County (Black Jack Cabin and Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts with Walking Trail, Signal Oak, Clearfield One Room Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Baldwin, and Palmyra Well) as well as the markers at multiple historic sites around Baldwin and along the SF Trail throughout the County.

Our group provides educational programs, tours and more to the public to share and promote our local history.

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

___________________________________________________________

— July 2024 —

Newest Event from The “Our Local History” Series

^^^^^^^

Next program: Sept. 18, 6:00 p.m. “Local Ghost Stories”

Watch for details here soon!

^^^^^^^

The “Our Local History” Series is a program sharing the history of Baldwin and the surrounding area as well as information about the Santa Fe Trail (SFT). It is created by Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and Santa Fe Trail Historical Society.

Find information about the “Our Local History” program

• posted here each quarter. 
• at the Baldwin City KS Public Library Facebook Page – updated on a regular basis.
• to receive emails about the programs that will be offered at the library, contact the BCPL Adult Activity Coordinator, at circdesk1@baldwin.lib.ks.us and ask her to put you on her list.  She’ll send info about this and all other programs for adults offered at BCPL.

^^^^^^^

Other History Events:

Make a craft to learn about Pioneer Times

at Third Friday Markets

in Downtown Baldwin City!

June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 28 from 6-9 p.m.  

Please note last date changed to Sat. Sept 28th!

• Make a yarn doll, a lantern, the Big Dipper constellation, and a craft. 
• Everything is free.

^^^^^^^

Historic Coal Creek Library Open Sundays 1-4

Thru Oct!

^^^^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

_________________________________________________________________

— May 2024 —

The “Our Local History” Series

is a new program created by Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and Santa Fe Trail Historical Society. We look forward to sharing the history of Baldwin and the surrounding area as well as information about the Santa Fe Trail (SFT). 

Find information about the “Our Local History” program

• posted here each quarter. 
• at the Baldwin City KS Public Library Facebook Page – updated on a regular basis.
• to receive emails about the programs that will be offered at the library, contact the BCPL Adult Activity Coordinator, at circdesk1@baldwin.lib.ks.us and ask her to put you on her list.  She’ll send info about this and all other programs for adults offered at BCPL.

• The newest “Our Local History” event occurs Saturday, June 15. 
• Buses will pick up on 7^th Street between Grove and High Streets in Baldwin. 
• This is a riding tour only – no getting on and off. 
• Seating is limited, but no reservations will be taken. Information is below.

Other History Events:

• Black Jack Historical Cabin – open Saturday, May 25 and all Sat.s in June from 1-4.
• Coal Creek Historical Library in Vinland, KS – open every Sunday afternoon through October from 1-4.
• More information about both programs below.

^^^^^^^

Make a craft to learn about Pioneer Times

at Third Friday Markets

in Downtown Baldwin City!

June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20 from 6-9 p.m.  

• Make a yarn doll, a lantern, the Big Dipper constellation, and a craft. 
• Everything is free.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Black Jack Cabin to be Open May 25 and June –

Saturdays 1-4!

For more info about Black Jack Cabin For more info about Black Jack Ruts Walking Trail

^^^^^^^

Historic Coal Creek Library Open Sundays 1-4

Thru Oct!

^^^^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

_________________________________________________________________

— April 2024 —

Historic Coal Creek Library Open Sundays 1-4

Thru Oct!

^^^^^^^^^^^

Black Jack Cabin to be Open May 25 and June –

Saturdays 1-4!

For more info about Black Jack Cabin For more info about Black Jack Ruts Walking Trail

^^^^^^^^^^

Santa Fe Trail Historical Society: What Do We Do?

What Did SFTHS Do in 2023?

Protecting, Preserving and Promoting:

• Regular maintenance of the 7 properties we own or lease – including the walking trail at the Black Jack ruts/Boyd Prairie.
  • Trimmed the 15 ft tall hedge at Allen Park and removed trees growing in it!
  • Repainted several signs along the Santa Fe Trail.
• We were authorized $156,700 in ARPA funds from the county for several projects.
  • Wood floors in the Santa Fe Depot were refinished ($ 3,700). 
  • Clearfield Schoolhouse bell tower reconstructed, complete with bell.  ($82,747)
  • Clearfield shingle siding replacement ($10,000) – occurring Spring 2024
  • Stabilizing the west wall footings of the Vinland Grange Hall ($42,000).
    • Have submitted request for Heritage Trust Funds to rebuild the concrete steps on the E. end of the Grange for an additional $82,000.  Under contract to start late May 2024.
  • ARPA funding for screen windows for top floor of the Grange. ($10,000) -spring 2024 project
• Roger has applied for a $5,000 grant from HCC for 3 small projects.
• SFTHS Board members worked to develop a Strategic Plan and revised Bylaws.
• Educational provided: Maple Leaf Festival Bus Tours, Home School student presentation at Black Jack Cabin, Retired group from Osage City tour, answered letters from 5^th graders in Maine with SF Trail questions, City, Vintage Park presentation and tour, Jan 2024 – presentation at Baldwin library.
  • Website updating continues: santafetraildouglas.org and communication with email list.
• Digitization (Scanning) Project of Baldwin City Council records from the 1880s on mostly completed in joint venture with Baldwin City Public Library
  • Funds raised in Dec. to continue to digitize historical documents in the library.
  • Volunteering in the Kansas Room at the public library continues.
• We are in the process of working out details to rent the depot for short-term events.
• John More continues to organize the flag displays at the Black Jack Cabin.
• Nick Pumphrey serves as Chair of the Douglas Co. Heritage Conservation Council. 

^^^^^^^^

If You Would Like to Join or Support Our Group:

Click these links for Membership Info or Support Us Info!

^^^^^^^

_________________________________________________________________

— Jan 2024 —

An Excellent DCCF Giving For Good Fundraising Campaign!

**********************

Upcoming Events: Please Join Us!

Jan. 27, 2024: Presentation at Baldwin City Public Library:

Feb. 18, 2024: Potluck Dinner, Meeting & Presentation:

Most historians consider the first battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Black Jack, just 3 miles east of Baldwin City.  Most of the battle occurred in the ruts of the Santa Fe Trail which are easily accessible at the Black Jack Park & Walking Trail out on the Ivan Boyd Memorial Prairie.

The presentation is supported and funded by Humanities Kansas.

We hope to see you soon!

_________________________________________________________________

— November 23, 2023 —

The 2023 DCCF** Giving For Good Campaign is now underway!!!

Nov. 28 thru Dec. 31, 2023

** Douglas County Community Foundation

Will you please support us?

In Brief:

We are joining with Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) to raise funds to digitally preserve (scan), and make available online, historic records housed in their Kansas Room.  Your support for this project builds our capacity to share Douglas County history with current and future generations.

And for every dollar donated, generous DCCF donors will match 50% into our endowed fund!

To support our campaign, you may donate online at    https://dccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=34997

Details:

Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County (SFTHS) have been collecting, preserving, and sharing Southern Douglas County history – including the Santa Fe Trail – for decades. This information is housed in The Kansas Room at the BCPL and frequently used by the public. Some of the records are very fragile and all are only available to be viewed in person.

Our 2023 campaign focuses on our collections of 275+ house and business histories (real estate abstracts) which tell the stories of families and land use over 160 years and are not preserved anywhere else, as well as slides of past local events and people (Maple Leaf Festivals, etc.). Your donation will fund the digital preservation (scanning) of these collections and allow them to be made accessible online, where they will be available to anyone in the country. Your support for this project builds our capacity to share Douglas County history with current and future generations.

Visit https://www.dccfoundation.org/ to find out about other projects in Douglas County.

********************************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

_________________________________________________________________

— November 17, 2023 —

Save The Date!!

The 2023 DCCF** Giving For Good Campaign kicks off Nov. 28th!

** Douglas County Community Foundation

Will you please support us?

In Brief:

We are joining with Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) to raise funds to digitally preserve (scan), and make available online, historic records housed in their Kansas Room.  Your support for this project builds our capacity to share Douglas County history with current and future generations.

And for every dollar donated, generous DCCF donors will match 50% into our endowed fund!

Visit https://www.dccfoundation.org/ to find out more.

Details:

Baldwin City Public Library (BCPL) and the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County (SFTHS) have been collecting, preserving, and sharing Southern Douglas County history – including the Santa Fe Trail – for decades. This information is housed in The Kansas Room at the BCPL and frequently used by the public. Some of the records are very fragile and all are only available to be viewed in person.

Our 2023 campaign focuses on our collections of 275+ house and business histories (real estate abstracts) which tell the stories of families and land use over 160 years and are not preserved anywhere else, as well as slides of past local events and people (Maple Leaf Festivals, etc.). Your donation will fund the digital preservation (scanning) of these collections and allow them to be made accessible online, where they will be available to anyone in the country. Your support for this project builds our capacity to share Douglas County history with current and future generations.

_______________________________________________________________

— October 2023 —

Interact with History at these events:

Local History Bus Tours

• 1:00 Tour: North of Baldwin Area: Palmyra, Hickory Point, Vinland
• 3:00 Tour: Baldwin, Media, Prairie City, Cemeteries
• Bus leaves from 5^th & High Street – Sat. only

Black Jack Log Cabin Open

• Historical Replica Log Cabin with artifacts
• Was a stop on the Santa Fe Trail – Black Jack Crossing
• Open 1-6 p.m. – Sat. only
• 3 miles east of Baldwin
• 2011 N. 200 Road, Wellsville, KS 66092

Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts & Walking Trail

• Walk around and through the ruts left by wagons
• Audio Tour available (Free)
• Informational Displays
• Located by Black Jack Cabin (see above)
• Available daily

Drive the ACTUAL Santa Fe Trail Route

• Drive on 5 miles of ACTUAL Trail – and close to the rest!
• Narrated, self-driving tour along the route
• Uses your cell phone
• Freedom’s Frontier Santa Fe Trail Landmark Tour app Scan code for tour:   

Scan code for tour:

********************************

Chapter Members Win Awards!

These members of our local chapter won awards at the recent national Santa Fe Trail Association Symposium held in Independence, MO.  Congratulations!

Paul Bentrup Ambassador Award: Roger Boyd

• Given in recognition of his work to preserve, protect, and promote the Santa Fe National Historic Trail in and around Douglas County KS
• Read 2023 Paul Bentrup Ambassador Award: Roger Boyd nomination.

SFTA Hall of Fame: Katharine Bensen Kelley

• Inducted in recognition of her history with the Santa Fe Trail
• Read 2023 SFTA Hall of Fame: Katharine Bensen Kelley nomination.

SFTA Hall of Fame: Amelia Jeanette Betts

• Inducted in recognition of her history with the Santa Fe Trail
• Read 2023 SFTA Hall of Fame: Amelia Jeanette Betts nomination.

********************************

2023 Giving for Good Campaign Info Coming in Nov!

Learn how YOU can help

Preserve and Share Our Important Local History

Historic documents and slides under our care require digital preservation (scanning) and increased accessibility to users.

A joint project of Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County and the Baldwin City Public Library.

********************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

_________________________________________________________________

— August 2023 —

NOTE TIME CHANGE!

Please Join Us for our Fall Meeting, Potluck Dinner, and Program!

Sunday, Sept. 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m  6 PM

Dinner and talk are open to the public. 

We hope you will join us!!!

*****

This event is presented in partnership with Humanities Kansas.

********************************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

_________________________________________________________________

— June 2023 —

At our National Trails Day event in June, an interesting illustration of the Santa Fe Trail as an international route of commerce presented itself. 

One of our chapter members is from Worcester, England.  Worcestershire Sauce has been made there since the early 1800’s.  This sauce was transported to the US by ship, then to the Midwest by boat.  Bottles of the sauce can be seen in the display of objects found aboard the steamboat Arabia which sunk on its way to Westport, Missouri in 1856. Had the bottles arrived safely in Westport, they would have been loaded on wagons and transported along the Trail to Santa Fe and then possibly on into Mexico.

Mexican goods were also transported by wagon from Mexico and Santa Fe by Mexican traders to Westport and Independence.  From there, goods went on to St. Louis and the East Coast by boat.  Some went on to European countries by ship.  If you know of any specific examples of these products, please contact us!  We would like to fully illustrate the “two-way” commercial trade of the Trail.

What are we doing this summer?

In addition to promoting and preserving the Santa Fe Trail, our chapter cares for and provides information about the local history of southern Douglas County.  Currently, we are working on two big projects.  At Clearfield School house (c. 1900) – a few miles east of Baldwin City – reconstruction of the original bell tower is underway.  At the 1884 Grange Hall in Vinland, Kansas – just north of Baldwin City – work on the footings, stairs, and windows are underway.  Click on the links above each picture for more information.

********************************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

_________________________________________________________________

— April 2023 —

Please join us in celebrating National Parks Day!

Saturday, June 3, 2023 – 9:00am – 4:00pm

At Black Jack Park and Ivan Boyd Memorial Prairie Preserve

Visit historic Black Jack cabin and museum!

Walk around – and THROUGH – 5 wagon ruts from the Santa Fe Trail!

Members of Santa Fe Trail Historical Society will be available to answer your questions!

********************************

New on the website:

Two Picture Tours of the Santa Fe Trail from Missouri through Douglas County!

Click Brief Pictorial Tour of SFT

• for a short tour of the Santa Fe Trail with a brief overview of the Trail.

Click Detailed Pictorial Tour of SFT

• for a detailed tour of the Santa Fe Trail with extra (Bonus!) information.

********************************

“SFT Through Douglas County” Tab Changes

• New headings added under this tab.
• Information about “The Narrows” is now on a page with that title.
• Driving the SFT through Douglas County using the Freedom’s Frontier Landmark Tour app info is accessed here.
• The new pictorial tours are accessed here.

********************************

Would you like to be notified when this website is updated? Send us a note through the Contact Us link.

_________________________________________________________________

— Feb. 2023 —

We have completed much in 2022 & have big plans for 2023.

Please consider supporting or joining us in our efforts!

The details are below.

What Did We Do in 2022?

• Continued to maintain the walking trail at the Black Jack SFT wagon ruts at Ivan Boyd Prairie.
  • As well as Signal Oak site, Clearfield Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Black Jack Historical Cabin, Palmyra Well site, and Trail Park site.
• Nick Pumphrey and Roger Boyd continued to serve on the Douglas Co. Heritage Conservation Council. 
• Began digitization of historical city documents in the Baldwin library – utilizing funds SFTHS raised through Giving for Good Campaign last year as well as grant funds.
• John More continued to organize the flag displays at the Black Jack Cabin as well as maintaining Clearfield School and organized the presentations at Clearfield School during the Farm Tour.
• Refinished the wood floors in the Santa Fe Depot (using $ 3,700 grant).
  • Replaced AC at the depot and had significant sewage repairs (City funded projects).
  • Re-glazed and painted the doors and windows.
  • Repaired shelter house at Allen Park.
• Leased the depot to Ryan Robinson to run his Snow Globe event – lease began in August.
• Participated in hosting Preservation Conference #2 last June.
• Brought SFTA Timeline Panel and speaker to Baldwin City.

What Do We See For 2023?

• Clearfield School bell tower reconstruction, with bell.  ~$83,000, ARPA grant   
• Vinland Grange Hall repair:
  • Stabilization of west wall footings – $42,000 grant fundsRebuild concrete steps on east end of Hall (access steps) – $82,000 grant funds, Heritage Trust Fund Grant written by Cathy Dwigans, Ray Wilbur & Roger Boyd
  • Screens to protect historic windows, top floor of Grange – $10,000 grant funds, ARPA grant 
• Allen Park hedge – overhaul and revitalization project.
• Palmyra Well Site – new wayside exhibit to be completed and installed.
• SFT Trail Marker – repainting and repair.
• Continuation of Digitization project and expansion/extension of project.
• Continuation of care and maintenance of SFTHS sites: walking trail at the Black Jack SFT wagon ruts at Ivan Boyd Prairie, Signal Oak site, Clearfield Schoolhouse, Vinland Grange, Black Jack Historical Cabin, Palmyra Well site, and Trail Park site.
• Continuation of educational offerings and interactions with local community, schools, and organizations as well as website.

What can you do to support or join us?

Join Santa Fe Trail Historical Society: click link here: Join Us! (Membership)

• You will receive emails about our activities.
• If you don’t have an email address, you will receive a mailing about our two social events.
• Your dues help support our efforts!

• Annual dues:        
• $5/Individual; $10/Family
• $35 Institutional (Business, Organization)
• $100/Lifetime

Support the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society:

• No commitment or requirements of your time
• Support our care of historical markers and places in southern Douglas County
• Support our education of others about the Trail and the local history of the area
• Receive emails about our activities
• $10 suggested donation (or more if you’d like!)

*********

• Make checks out to: ”SFTHS” (Santa Fe Trail Historical Society)
• Send name, mailing address and email address (if you have one) with check to:

Marvin Jardon, 203 Silver Leaf Lane, Baldwin City, KS 66006.

_________________________________________________________________

— Jan. 2023 —

Please Join Us for our Winter Meeting, Potluck Dinner, and Program!

Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Baldwin City Golf Course Club House

1102 Main Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006

********

• 5:00: Social Time
• 5:30: Potluck Dinner – Meat Provided; Bring dining service and salad, side, or dessert.   
• 6:15: Program: Dr. Virgil Dean from Univ. of Kansas speaking about “We, The People of Kansas…” The Story of Kansas’s Founding Documents, 1820-2020

VISITORS WELCOME! 

Baldwin City and Douglas County were very much in the middle of actions of early Kansas as it determined its Statehood and whether they would be a free or slave state. 

Please come join us to hear about the early days of the Kansas Territory.

Dinner and talk are open to the public. 

We hope you will join us!!!

*****

This event is presented in partnership with Humanities Kansas.

_________________________________________________________________

— Sept. 2022 —

Explore the Santa Fe Trail with the

Santa Fe Trail Association’s Junior Wagon Master Program

For students of all ages – from 5 to 75+ !

An easy way to:

• learn about the Santa Fe Trail
• find places to visit on the Trail – near and far from home
  • walk along wagon ruts, visit towns, go to museums, and maybe even see horses, mules, and oxen along the way!
• share Trail information with “kids” of all ages

Details:

• Program divides Santa Fe Trail into four sections:
  • Eastern Terminus
  • Central Portion
  • Mountain Route & Cimarron Route
  • Western Terminus
• Activity booklets written for each age group:
  • Cavvy Edition (ages 5-8)
  • Freighter Edition (ages 9-11)
  • Bullwhacker Edition (ages 12-14)
  • Scout Edition (ages 15 and up – inc. adult!)
• Download booklets or specific pages from website
  • or booklets available at various locations (see website)
• Earn patches for completing entire booklets (not required)
• Great for lessons, family activities, or group trip ideas!

Link to website:

https://www.santafetrail.org/children/jr-wagon-master.html

The Santa Fe Trail Junior Wagon Master Program is a cooperative effort of the National Park Service and the Santa Fe Trail Association.

New on the Website!

• Under “Baldwin & Local Area History” Tab: “Places”
  • Annunciation Catholic Church – maybe the oldest Catholic Church in KS still in existence!
  • International Motocross Racing in the 1970s, in rural Baldwin!
  • Oakwood Cemetery Building – What Is It?
  • Old Baldwin City Lake & the Brickyard Under It
  • Under “Prairie City Cemetery” –
    • Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire – full packet completed for KS State Historical Society has been added. 
• Under “Baldwin & Local Area History” Tab: “Events” –
  • Big Phone Switch – Changeover from Switchboard Operator to Rotary Dial Phones in 1960

_________________________________________________________________

— Sept. 2022 —

Saturday, October 15:

Bus Tours of local historical sites

Baldwin City Kansas

Maple Leaf Festival

1:00 pm: North Baldwin Area Bus Tour led by Prof John Richards.

• Includes:
• the Santa Fe Trail out to Brooklyn,
• Stony Point Church,
• historic Vinland,
• Signal Oak
• several other historic locations.  

3:00 pm: South Baldwin Area Bus Tour led by local historian Linda Ford Ballinger.

• Includes:
• Media/West Baldwin,
• Prairie City,
• several stone houses built in the late 1880’s,
• other historical sites.

Tours are FREE!

Both buses leave from Old Castle (511 Fifth St.) at their designated times. 

Parking not available at Old Castle site. 

Come hear all about “the rest of the story” from these long-time residents of the Baldwin City area.

_________________________________________________________________

— August 2022 —

Summer has flown by and much is happening in Baldwin City! Below is information about two activities on Saturday, September 17th (Hope you can join us!), new history and tabs on the website, and the Driving Tour Info returns.

Saturday, September 17, 2022 Activities

10:00 a.m. “Experience History – A Kid’s Life on the Santa Fe Trail”

at Baldwin City Public Library, 800 7^th Street.

• Come experience life on the Santa Fe Trail through the eyes of the young. 
• Appropriate for all ages –especially the young and the young-at-heart! 
• Learn about games, activities, foods, daily life and more. 
• Hands-on activities will be offered. 
• Janet Armstead from the National Santa Fe Trail Association will be presenting.
• She is bringing her trunk full of Trail-related items to share.
• This activity is open to all and free of charge!

5:30 p.m. “Mary Ann McCutchen: Pioneer Woman in Bleeding Kansas”

at the Baldwin City Golf Course Club House, 1102 Main Street. 

• Janet Armstead presents again as her ancestor who lived near here in the Clinton Lake area in the days of Early Kansas.
• A short chapter meeting will occur before the presentation.
• This activity is open to all and free of charge!

We hope you can join us!!

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New on the website:

The “Baldwin & Local Area History” tab now has content!  Learn about people, places, and events in history from our area.  Plenty of pictures are included.  Many of the articles were written by our chapter and published in the Baldwin City Community News under the heading “Treasures From The Kansas Room.”

• Newly added topics include:
  • Florence Hitchcock – First female Pharmacist in Baldwin and State of KS – 1912,
  • BU Spring Break 1940,
  • History of the Baldwin buildings located at 711 High Street (currently the Dance Studio) and
    • 814 High Street (currently the Baldwin Fitness Center). 

As more of these articles are published, they will be added to the website – but not too quickly! To get your history in a more timely manner, you may want to subscribe to the Baldwin City Community News.  The paper is mailed to your home weekly.  Email Niki at niki@imperiumpublishing.com for subscription rates & info. 

Look for more information soon about our historical bus tours held during the Maple Leaf Festival, October 15^th!

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— June 2022 —

Post-Preservation Conference Information

— And —

NEW ON THE WEBSITE!

Drive the Santa Fe Trail through Douglas County!

Take a self-guided driving tour along the Trail and hear information about 13 sites along the Trail using your smartphone.  Actually drive on 5 miles of the original Trail – right where the wagons drove!  Information about the app and the suggested supplemental map can be obtained by clicking here: Drive the Santa Fe Trail Thru Douglas County!!!! or looking under the “SFT through Douglas County” Tab.

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Prairie City Cemetery Information

Established in 1855 by the town of Prairie City, located just SW of Baldwin City, this cemetery and the adjoining Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery are the only remains of the old town available to the public.  Prairie City Cemetery recently received approval to complete the next step toward receiving listing on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.  Information about the cemetery itself and about the listing process are presented under the new “Baldwin and Local History” tab – or click here: Prairie City Cemetery (Not all items are complete at this time – but I’m working on it!) 

2022 Prairie City Cemetery Tombstone Tour

Visit the cemetery just SW of Baldwin City to take a self-guided tour of its historical and architecturally significant markers.  A sample of markers and general are listed here.  The map in the pavilion at the cemetery provides more detailed location and other information. 

Here is a quick link: PCC – Tombstone Tour 2022 – or look under the new “Baldwin and Local History” tab

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— June 2022 —

Join the Heritage Conservation Council in Baldwin City on June 24th and 25th.

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Conference features include:

FRIDAY, June 24 (meet at Sullivan Square)

• Bus Tour of Santa Fe Trail route – Narrated by John Richards, Prof. of History, Baker Univ.
• Historic Prairie City Cemetery (est. 1855) tour – Tombstone cleaning, Preservation info.
• Black Jack Battlefield Nature Park visit – Prairie restoration project, Native landscape info.

SATURDAY, June 25 (meet at Rice Auditorium)

• Restoration projects in historic structures – Do-It-Yourself or Hire someone?
• Collecting genealogy and recording oral history
• Use of tax credits in preservation projects
• Conservation of naturally and culturally important landscapes
• Limestone carving demonstration
• And more!

Conference presented by: Douglas County (KS) Heritage Conservation Council

Conference Partners: Lumberyard Arts Center, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence Preservation Alliance, and Baldwin City. 

Conference sponsored by: Santa Fe Trail Historical Society, Zimmerschied Architecture, Kansas Public Radio, Pishny Restoration Services.

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The Santa Fe Trail 200^th Timeline Exhibit is coming to Baldwin in June!

The Timeline Exhibit was created in 2021 as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Santa Fe Trail.  It features over 150 significant places, people, and events relevant to the Trail.  The time period covered begins with the arrival of the Spanish colonists in New Mexico in 1598 and ends with the creation of our new walking trail at Black Jack Ruts in 2021.  The timeline is 8 feet tall and 20 feet long.  It will be displayed at the Lumberyard Arts Center here in Baldwin from June 2 – 13. Details below. 

Lumberyard Arts Center

718 High Street, Baldwin City, 66006

(Northeast corner of Eighth and High Streets)

Hours: M-F: 1-5 p.m.   Sat: 9 a.m. – noon

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— March 2022 —

The Santa Fe Trail 200^th Timeline Exhibit is coming to Baldwin in June!

The Timeline Exhibit was created in 2021 as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Santa Fe Trail.  It features over 150 significant places, people, and events relevant to the Trail.  The time period covered begins with the arrival of the Spanish colonists in New Mexico in 1598 and ends with the creation of our new walking trail at Black Jack Ruts in 2021.  The timeline is 8 feet tall and 20 feet tall.  It will be displayed at the Lumberyard Arts Center here in Baldwin from June 2 – 14. Details below. 

Guest Speaker June 5^th!

In addition to the ongoing exhibit, on Sunday, June 5^th at 3:00 our chapter will be hosting a special viewing with a guest speaker.  Mark Brooks, from Council Grove, will give a presentation on the history of Council Grove and its impact on the Santa Fe Trail.  Mark is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Santa Fe Trail Association and President of the Heart of America (Council Grove) chapter.  Social begins at 3:00, presentation at 3:30 followed by refreshments.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

Lumberyard Arts Center

718 High Street, Baldwin City, 66006

(Northeast corner of Eighth and High Streets)

Hours: M-F: 1-5 p.m.   Sat: 9 a.m. – noon

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Just added to the website (March 19th)!!

Voices and Records of Black Jack Pioneers – located under “Stops Along the SFT” tab, under “Black Jack Area” – or click on link above

History of the SFT – a full history of the Santa Fe Trail from the National Santa Fe Trail Association website (used with permission). A new “History of the SFT” tab is on the bottom row – or click link above.

Updated Calendar – see sidebar or “Calendar of Events” under “Chapter Activities” tab – or click link above.

Battle of Black Jack referral information – which can be found under the “Black Jack Area” tab – or click on the link above. While our site makes references to the battle, the best source of information is sponsored by the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park.

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— Jan. 2022 —

Please Join Us for our Winter Meeting and Program!

Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at 3:30 p.m.

Program: History of Eudora KS by Ben Terwilliger

Baldwin City Golf Course Club House

1102 Main Street

VISITORS WELCOME!

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Wondering where we’ve been?

Summer and fall 2021 have been a busy time for this chapter! 

• Work was completed on informational panels and a kiosk installed at Pioneer Cemetery – project led by Roger Boyd. 
• Maple Leaf Festival found our group on a wagon in the parade. 
• John More has been busy putting out flag displays at Black Jack cabin for significant Trail and Kansas history days as well as for other commemorative events such as Flag Day, Veteran’s Day.  Thank you, John, for your efforts!
• More projects are “in the works,” such as a new Palmyra informational panel and kiosk and planning for the next Preservation Conference to be held in Baldwin in June 2022. 

Look for information about these happenings, along with more history, here on the website in January!

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–Nov. 2021 —

Giving Opportunity that Protects Archival Records

The Santa Fe Trail Historical Society is participating in “Giving for Good” – a project through the Douglas County Community Foundation to crowd-source funding for various projects sponsored by non-profit groups in the county. 

We are partnering with the Baldwin City Public Library and Baker University to raise funds to hire two students to digitize various newspapers and documents that are currently in a fragile paper form or only on microfilm.  The microfilm reader at the public library is no longer functional.  Digitizing the microfilm items will make them available online or in the library through computer searches. 

The funding request is for $5,000, and we already have a pledge for $2,000!  The project goes LIVE on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 30^th and lasts through Dec. 31, 2021.

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— July 2021 —

Our Annual Fall meeting will be held

Sat., Sept. 18 at the Baldwin Golf Course at 6:30 p.m.

We will NOT have the potluck dinner, just a meeting and presentation.

Masks are encouraged.

Sara DeCaro will present “A History of Palmyra and Baldwin City.”

Location: Baldwin Golf Course Club House, 1102 Main Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006

GUESTS AND VISITORS WELCOME!!

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— June 2021 —

Our latest endeavor is a joint project with the State Historical Preservation Office, Douglas County Heritage Council, and multiple Baldwin entities. 

Historic preservation has never been more important and more vital than it is today!

By bringing together our experience and diverse perspectives, we can strengthen our efforts to ensure that the character of the places we live, work, and play will be sustained.

Please join us for the:

• Information will be presented about the many historic buildings in Baldwin and what the city is interested in doing to preserve their history.  Knowing that many Baldwin area individual property owners may have interest in preserving their own historic property, information will also be presented for them.  

• Walking tours and discussions of historic Baker University, Baldwin’s historic streets, neighborhoods and downtown will occur.  Historic local cemetery and barn restoration will also be presented.  

• See the full conference schedule, details and register today…it’s free! https://www.baldwincity.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=306
• Advanced Registration by July 20th.
• Order box lunches by Torched Goodness Food Truck by July 15th.
• Walk-in registrations welcome.

Register through above link or at: https://baldwincitygov.typeform.com/to/aWMP6Ndc?fbclid=IwAR2g_wCYfXxMXefnwMJjFO9pCebK2_24yWgtygQ5XUjb7FR_0MUeMPLOcQk

• This is a “No-Waste” Conference in Support of Sustainability Efforts in Douglas County.
• Bring Your Own Water Bottles – Water Bottle Filling Stations are located in Baker University buildings.
• Light snacks and limited beverages will be provided.
• And thank you for supporting our local businesses during your visit!

Presented by the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council, Baldwin City, Baker University, Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, Lumberyard Arts Center, Santa Fe Trail Historical Society of Douglas County, and the Baldwin City Library.

This conference promises to be VERY INTERESTING and INFORMATIVE.

We hope you will join us!

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–April 2021 —

Black Jack Ruts Walking Trail Dedication – June 5th

Please join us June 5, 2021, at 2 pm for the official dedication of the new Black Jack Ruts Walking Trail located on the Ivan Boyd Memorial Prairie Preserve 3 mi. east of Baldwin!  The Black Jack Ruts are some of the nation’s best preserved Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts.

This dedication ceremony is part of the nationwide commemoration of the 200 year opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. Speakers for the dedication will represent the National Park Service, the national Santa Fe Trail Association, Kansas Dept. of Transportation, Douglas County, and the city of Baldwin City.  No parking will be available at the site, so please use the shuttle buses leaving on the half hour from the Baldwin High School (415 Eisenhower St.) to attend the dedication.

Baldwin City is hosting a “Trails and Trailblazers” Bicentennial event in addition to this ceremony. Come to historic downtown Baldwin between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to join in the celebration at Sullivan Square (7^th and High) with old time games, buggy rides, a real stage coach on display, history display, and more!  Baker University Old Castle Museum at 5^th and Elm, a few short blocks from Sullivan Square on the beautiful Baker campus, will also be open 10-5. Following the dedication at the Black Jack Ruts will be a tour of the Black Jack Battlefield at 3:00 pm with John Brown and Capt. Pate.  (The battle occurring at this battlefield is said to have been the earliest of the Civil War.)  Parking at both sites is limited so using the shuttle will be required. The shuttle buses will leave on the half hour from the Baldwin High School (415 Eisenhower St.)

We hope to see you on June 5^th!