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The twenty acre John Brown Memorial Park is a National Historic Site donated to the State of Kansas by the Womens Relief Corps to preserve the site of the Battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856, when John Brown and his band of some forty men fought in what was to be one of the first battles of the Civil War. John Brown tried to defend Osawatomie against the Missouri men, but was unsuccessful and thetwon burned. Brown's son, Fredrick was the first victim; he was shot in cold blood.

The park was dedicated August 30, 1910, by President Theodore Roosevelt at which time he gave his famous New Nationalism speech. A short distance north of the park entrance is a life size statue of John Brown done by Geroge Fite Waters. Also in the park is Adair Cabin/John Brown Museum State Historic Site. The stone pergola houses the original log cabin used by John Brown.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

First Land Office

This land office building was built in 1854 and was used by the first mayor of Osawatomie, H. B. Smith, and his brother who were the first land patent agents in the territory. It was deeded to the city in 1954 by A. W. Youngberg as a memorial to his wife.

Osawatomie, KS Pioneer Life

Osawatomie History Museum

Exhibits include The Railroad, Oswatomie State Hospital, pre-Civil War, Rural Culture, and the Social History of Osawatomie. Special rotating exhibits present Black History Month in February, Women's History Month in March; April, Art; May, Alumni; June, John Brown; August, Founders Day;

Osawatomie, KS Museums

Adair Cabin State Historic Site and Museum

The territorial log cabin, which now houses the John Brown Museum, was built in 1854 as the home of Reverend Samuel L. and Florella (John Brown's half sister) Adair. The home was frequented by Brown during his several journeys to Kansas between 1855 and 1858. The Adairs shared John Brown'

Osawatomie, KS Museums

Old Stone Church

One of the first churches in Kansas, this church was built by a Congregationalist group and is typical of the church structures built during pioneer days in Kansas.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Churches

Creamery Bridge

The Creamery Bridge which spans the Marais des Cygnes River at Eighth Street is one of two Marsh Arch triple span bridges located at Osawatomie. The other spans the Pottawatomie Creek, and both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

Things to do near Osawatomie, KS

Turner Barn

William J. Mara Museum - KS School for the Deaf

Hillsdale Hunting

Bonner Springs High School

New Theatre Restaurant