Historical Markers in
Shawnee County, Kansas

100th Anniversary of the Pauline Depot A Playground and Community Center A Turning Point for Equality A "Separate But Equal" School? Ad Astra Dedication Ceremony Alfred M. Landon State Office Building All Veterans Memorial Barber Shop Battle of the Blue Blacksmith Shop Capital City of Kansas Chandler Library Pavilion Charles Curtis Charles Curtis Charles Sheldon Study Church of the Assumption Constitution Hall -Topeka Corridor of Flags Crawford - Capper Burial Site Crime Victims' Rights Tree Cyrus K. Holliday David Puff Devon Apartment Building Everest Methodist Church F-4D Fighter Aircraft First Section of Interstate Opened in United States First United Brethren in Christ Church in Kansas Fool Chief's Village Fort Leavenworth - Fort Riley Military Road Franklin Loomis Crane G.A.R. Memorial Building Gem Building Gettysburg Address Governor Landon's Acceptance Henry Murphy Walsh and Every A.E.F. "Runner" Home of Charles Curtis How to Heat and Cool an Old School Ichabod Washburn Kansas Army and Air National Guard Kansas Children Kansas History Kansas Veterans' Memorial Kansas Veterans' Walk L-5 105mm Pack Howitzer Lecompton Lingo Livery Stable Mariachi Divina! Martin Luther Mission Kitchen Garden Monroe School Monroe School Neighborhood Mulvane General Store Northeast Kansas Korean War Memorial On This Site Palm Park Pappan's Ferry Pillars of the Community Pioneer Women of Kansas Potawatomie Baptist Manual Labor Training School Potwin Drug Store Replica of the Statue of Liberty Samuel J. Crumbine, MD Santa Fe Caboose #1552 Shawnee County World War Memorial Sioux Quartzite Boulder Site of the First State Capitol St. John AME Church Standing Up for Their Rights Sumner School Cornerstone The Capitol Building The Freedom Tree The Governor's Plaque The Kansa Tribe The Munn Pioneer Memorial The Pauline Depot Topeka Chapter, The Military Order of the World Wars Topeka High School World War Memorial Topeka Tornado Victims Trails across Kansas U.S.S. Constitution Lower Foreyard UH-1H Huey Helicopter V. F. W. Lawn Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Victor Schoolhouse Ward-Meade Home Ward-Meade Mansion
The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Shawnee County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich history intertwined with the growth and development of the region. The area that is now Shawnee County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Potawatomi, and Kansa. European exploration of the region began in the early 19th century when French fur traders arrived, followed by American settlers.

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to the establishment of the Kansas Territory, including what would become Shawnee County. The area saw significant turmoil and violence during the Bleeding Kansas era, as tensions rose between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers. Shawnee County specifically played a role in this conflict, with several incidents occurring within its borders.

The year 1855 marked the official founding of Shawnee County, with the establishment of Topeka as its county seat. The city grew rapidly, becoming the state capital of Kansas in 1861. With the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, Topeka and Shawnee County experienced further expansion and economic growth.

Throughout the 20th century, Shawnee County continued to thrive. It became a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation industries. The county also played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Notable events include the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which originated in Topeka and led to the desegregation of schools nationwide.

Today, Shawnee County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a strong focus on education, arts, and culture. Its rich history is preserved through numerous historical sites, museums, and landmarks, reminding residents and visitors alike of the region's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shawnee County, Kansas.

  • 1817 - Shawnee County established as part of the Territory of Missouri.
  • 1825 - Treaty of St. Louis establishes Shawnee Indian reservation in the area.
  • 1830 - Shawnee Indians are removed from the reservation as part of the Indian Removal Act.
  • 1845 - Shawnee County is officially organized with Tecumseh as its county seat.
  • 1855 - Topeka becomes the county seat of Shawnee County.
  • 1857 - The first courthouse in Shawnee County is completed.
  • 1870 - The population of Shawnee County reaches over 13,000 people.
  • 1930 - The population of Shawnee County exceeds 95,000 people.
  • 1954 - Topeka becomes the site of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
  • 1977 - The first women are sworn into office as Shawnee County Commissioners.
  • 1996 - The Kansas Expocentre in Topeka opens, becoming a major entertainment venue.
  • 2007 - The Heartland Park Topeka sports complex undergoes significant renovations.