Historical Markers in Osage County, Kansas
The famous outlaw Jesse James was killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, which is just across the border from Kansas.
About Osage County
Osage County Timeline
Osage County, Kansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, Kansa, and Kaw people. These tribes lived off the land, hunting bison and cultivating crops.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area. The first permanent settlement was established in 1855, and Osage County quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers. The county was officially organized in 1859, with its name derived from the Osage tribe who had once inhabited the area.
During the Civil War, Osage County played a significant role. Many residents of the county were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids, but ultimately remained a Union stronghold.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Osage County experienced economic growth and industrialization. The discovery of oil in the county in the 1890s brought a boom to the local economy and led to the development of numerous oil wells. Today, Osage County remains an agricultural and oil-producing region, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical landmarks.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area. The first permanent settlement was established in 1855, and Osage County quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers. The county was officially organized in 1859, with its name derived from the Osage tribe who had once inhabited the area.
During the Civil War, Osage County played a significant role. Many residents of the county were divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids, but ultimately remained a Union stronghold.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Osage County experienced economic growth and industrialization. The discovery of oil in the county in the 1890s brought a boom to the local economy and led to the development of numerous oil wells. Today, Osage County remains an agricultural and oil-producing region, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Osage County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Osage County, Kansas.
- 1855 - The territory that would become Osage County, KS was established as part of the Kansas Territory.
- 1857 - Osage County was officially organized and named after the Osage Native American tribe.
- 1861 - The Civil War began, and Osage County experienced some conflicts and military activity.
- 1866 - The first railroad, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, was completed in Osage County.
- 1872 - The town of Burlingame was incorporated.
- 1878 - The town of Osage City was incorporated.
- 1881 - Scranton and Quenemo were incorporated as towns.
- 1882 - Lyndon was incorporated.
- 1889 - Carbondale was incorporated as a city.
- 1911 - The Marais des Cygnes River flood caused significant damage to Osage County.
- 1955 - Pomona State Park was established within Osage County.
- 2002 - The Flint Hills Nature Trail, a popular recreational trail, opened in Osage County.