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Terwilliger Home


category : Historic Homes
Terwilliger Home With its foundation laid in Kansas Territory, the Terwilliger Home was built alongside the famed Santa Fe Trail as Kansas became the 34th state.

Built by Abraham and Mary Rawlinson in 1860-61, this stone home was the last house freighters passed going West when leaving Council Grove as late as 1863.

From their home on the edge of the frontier, the Rawlinsons witnessed long trains of freight wagons loaded with goods, heading to or from Santa Fe. This home was a welcome sight to the freighters, as it signaled their return to civilization.

The property was purchased by William Riley Terwilliger in 1870, who added the South wing by 1873. The Terwilliger family came to Morris County in 1859, and he was at times a farmer, stockman, freighter, and owner of a livery stable.

The Terwilliger Home is one of the four oldest homes remaining alongside the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas.

Currently, a bakery cafe operate in the restored part of the house.


Address: 803 West Main
Phone: 620-767-7986

Come visit us in Council Grove, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Council Grove City Lake

Located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove. Fisherman will be hooked on the bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie, in this well stocked 500

Council Grove, KS Recreation

Council Grove National Bank Building

Completed in 1887, this bank that anchors a corner of downtown is a fine example of Western Commerical architecture. The exterior of the building was refurbished in 1974 and, after a 1978 fire, additional work restored the lobby to an appearance reminiscent of 1887. Listed on the

Council Grove, KS Historic Buildings

Last Chance Store

Like its name warns, this store was once the "last chance" for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail to buy supplies for their journey to New Mexico. Built in 1857, the limestone structure is the oldest commercial building in Council Grove and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Council Grove, KS Pioneer History

Post Office Oak and Museum

This 300-year-old bur oak (just the trunk remains) served as the unofficial post office for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from 1825-1847. Passing caravans could leave messages for future travelers in a cache in the base of the tree. A stone building erected in 1864

Council Grove, KS Landmarks

Field School House

The one-room Field School, closed at the end of the 1945-46 school year, is remarkably well preserved. It was moved from its original site 8 miles south of Council Grove to Maple Camp in 1999

Council Grove, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Things to do Historic Homes near Council Grove, KS

Cole House Museum

Historic Homes Tour

Early Residents Walking Tour

Frederick Remington Ranch

This is the Homestead of the famous western artist, Frederick Remington. Large tours available....

Terwilliger Home