National Register Listing

Adam, L.C., Mercantile Building

a.k.a. Cedar Vale Historical Museum; 019-0850-0003

618 Cedar St., Cedar Vale, KS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture commerce
The famous outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just across the border from Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Chautauqua County, Kansas has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The county was established in 1875 and was named after the Chautauqua Lake in the state of New York. The Osage Native American tribe originally inhabited the area, but they were later relocated to a reservation in the late 1800s.

The settlement of Chautauqua County began with the arrival of white settlers in the 1860s. These settlers were mainly attracted to the region because of its fertile land and abundant natural resources. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the late 1800s brought a boom to the county's economy, attracting new residents and businesses to the area.

The county has a significant history in education and culture. It was home to the Chautauqua movement, a popular educational and cultural movement that swept across America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chautauqua County hosted numerous Chautauqua assemblies, which were held in large tents and featured lectures, performances, and exhibitions. These events attracted thousands of people from all over the country, making the county a cultural and educational hub during that time.

In recent years, Chautauqua County has faced challenges like the decline of the oil and gas industry and population decline. However, the county continues to thrive with its strong agricultural sector and its commitment to preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Today, Chautauqua County remains a beautiful and peaceful county in Kansas, offering a mix of small-town charm and natural beauty to residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chautauqua County, Kansas.

  • 1855: Chautauqua County is established as a part of Kansas Territory
  • 1865: A post office is established in Chautauqua County
  • 1875: Chautauqua County's first newspaper, The Chautauqua News, is published
  • 1885: The railroad reaches Chautauqua County, boosting economic growth
  • 1895: The town of Sedan becomes the county seat
  • 1915: The Chautauqua Institution is founded, bringing cultural and educational programs to the area
  • 1925: A devastating tornado hits Chautauqua County, causing significant damage
  • 1945: Chautauqua County contributes to the war effort during World War II
  • 1965: The Chautauqua Hills Scenic Byway is designated, highlighting the county's natural beauty
  • 1985: The Sedan City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • 1995: The Chautauqua County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history