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Journey back in time to Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

Explore Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA - Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA - Soldiers Monument

Baxter Springs, Cherokee, KS

Baxter Springs received its name from the original resident of the area, John Baxter. Springs came from the fact that magnificent springs did flow freely and abundantly from the hillside across from his homestead...

The campsite called Baxter's Springs was well-known during and after the Civil War. The notoriety, of course, came from the infamous Quantrill raid and subsequent massacre...

By 1868, the town was teeming with new families building homes around the hillsides and businesses springing up just blocks away to the south. The springs became the water source for the new town...

baxterspringsmuseum.org

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Baxter Springs Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA - Soldier's Monument
Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

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Soldier's Monument
Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA - Lowell Dam
Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

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Lowell Dam
Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA - Baptist Church
Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

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Baptist Church

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Baxter Springs

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Kansas Tornado Chaser and BBQ Master Mug

Embrace your Kansas pride with our whimsical "I'm from Kansas! That explains a lot about my love for tornado chasing and my skill in grilling the perfect BBQ ribs" mug. Perfect for morning coffee or evening tea, this ceramic mug combines humor and state pride in one delightful package.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.

Discover Baxter Springs: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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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.

There seems to have... Read MORE...

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.

Baxter Springs... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Baxter Springs Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Baxter Springs, Kansas, USA

We currently have information about 2 ancestors who were born or died in Baxter Springs.

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Updated: 10/12/2023 4:10:20 PM