History of Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

1863 Baxter Springs Massacre
Date(s): 6 Oct 1863
Location: Cherokee County, Kansas, US
Outcome: Confederate victory
Description: Lt. James B. Pond and Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt, US
Lt. Col. William C. Quantrill, CSA
Quantrill had about 400 men; the Union had troops from three separate regiments.
Quantrill's men lost three, but killed 103.

Source(for more information): ehistory.osu.edu/
world/ BattleView.Cfm?BID=544

1895 - Baxter Springs
Baxter Springs, a post-village of Cherokee co., Kansas, on Spring River, and on the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad 61 miles S. of Fort Scott, and 159 miles S. of Kansas City. It has 5 churches, a national bank, a graded school, a brewery, a flour-mill, and a weekly news paper. Coal, lead, and zinc are found near here. Pop. 1284.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - THE DEADLY CYCLONE. The City of Baxter Springs Laid Waste By a Twister Yesterday. SIX PERSONS INSTANTLY KILLED.
Several Others Fatally Injured and Scores Maimed and Crippled - Everything in the Path of the Storm Leveled to the Ground

Baxter Springs, Kan., July 6. - Baxter Springs is in ruins. Five people were killed and about twenty others wounded, the result of a tornado or twisting cyclone that struck the town last evening about 6 o'clcok.

The dead are SALLIE WEBSTER, FLORENCE WEBSTER, RALPH WEBSTER, H. HIBBS and the infant child of THOMAS SHIELDS.

Scores of men, women and children in town are more or less injured, some fatally. Those reported are MRS. NEAL, both collar bones broken and internal injuries: JAMES NEAL, head wound and internal injuries; ROXY WEBSTER, right arm and right hip broken; MRS. MARTHA SMITH'S hip was dislocated and she received internal injuries; ETTA SMITH, internal injuries; GEORGE A. DICKER, head wounds; A. G. HANCOCK, serious head wound; MRS. THOMAS SHIELDS, fatal internal injuries. Three members of A. SHARPE'S family are badly hurt.

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1916
Baxter Springs, a banking city of Cherokee co., Kan., on Spring River and on the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis R., 81 miles S. of Fort Scott. It is an important shipping point for grain and cattle. There are various medicinal springs in the vicinity. Coal, lead, and line are also found near here. Pop. in 1900, 1641.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Baxter Springs:
Historic Route 66

Take a drive along Historic Route 66, which runs right through Baxter Springs. You'll find classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, and a nostalgic journey through America's past.

Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum

Dive into the local history at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum. Learn about the town's role in the Civil War and its vibrant Route 66 history. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.

Fort Blair Civil War Museum

Explore the Fort Blair Civil War Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of the region during the Civil War. The exhibits showcase artifacts and provide insight into the military history of the area.

Riverside Park

Enjoy some outdoor recreation at Riverside Park. It's a great spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply unwinding by the Spring River. The park often hosts community events, so check local listings for any happenings during your visit.

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