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
About Shawnee County
Shawnee County Timeline
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.
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.
Shawnee County Timeline
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.