Lyon County, KS
While much of the settlement of Lyon County was made by immigrants from other states, as early as 1857 many Welsh were arriving, and they continued to come in large numbers through the 1880's. French, Swiss, and German settlers began coming in the 60's, also. The Welsh came in the largest numbers, the Germans next, and the French third. The Welsh secured the bottom land whenever possible while the Germans took the high prairie land and made excellent farms of this land - only a decade or two earlier condemned as worthless.
The first road in Lyon County was the Santa Fe Trail, entering from Osage County in an east to west direction approximately 3 miles north of Admire.
"Out of this community of people, which for want of a better name we will call Anglo-Saxon, has been developed the towns and county that abide today. It was inevitable it should grow as it has grown. To understand it, to appreciate it, to love it all, we must know its seeds and the beginnings of its growth."
~William Allen White ~
Explore Lyon County
Emporia Zoo
The Emporia Zoo houses nearly 400 specimens including vultures and buffalo. One of the country's smallest accredited zoos is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo also features exceptional botanical displays and spectacular holiday lights.
Emporia, KS ZoosEmporia Center for the Arts
The Emporia Arts Council offices are in a building that was once a car dealership, and has been renovated with volunteer labor. The building also houses exhibits, classes, programs, theatre performances, and premiere performances by renowned artists.
Emporia, KS ArtsThe First Presbyterian Church
Designed by Charles W. Squires and built in 1897. The limestone block construction with multiple towers and large mitered, arched stained glass windows is typical of the Victorian influence. This church is an example of the Richardson Romanesque style.
Emporia, KS Historic ChurchesEmporia Parks
C of E Park at 15th and Chestnut, Fremont Park at 4th and Union, Hammond Park at 18th between Center and State, Jones Park, south of 24
Emporia, KS ParksLyon County History Center and Historical Society
The Lyon County Historical Society was established in 1937 when it archives were first located in the basement of the Civic Auditorium/William L. White Auditorium. In 1980, operations moved just across the street to the vacant Emporia Public Library, formally the 1904
Emporia, KS MuseumsPrairie Passage Stone Sculpture Garden
The stone sculptures known collectively as "Prairie Passage" were designed by Emporian Richard Stauffer and produced by the 1992 Kansas Sculptors Association Team Carve. Stauffer's design was selected to illustrate the theme "Prairie Passage," reflecting Emporia'
Emporia, KS ArtsNational Teachers Hall of Fame
One of Emporia's premier attractions, it proudly recognizes and honors outstanding teachers K-12
Emporia, KS Halls of FameWilliam Allen White's Home - Red Rocks State Historic Site
This house, a National Historic Register Landmark, was rented by William Allen White in 1899 and purchased by him in 1901. It was his home for 45
Emporia, KS Famous HomesThe All Veterans Memorial
Dedicated on May 26, 1991, the first Memorial in the nation honors all Veterans from all wars. The park features a World War II M-4A6 Sherman army tank, a memorial to Emporian, Sgt. Grant Timmerman. The "Vietnam Veterans Memorial" was dedicated March 29, 2001
Emporia, KS MemorialsSoden's Grove Bridge
The bridge is a 216-ft. reinforced concrete Rainbow Arch bridge designed by James Marsh. It was completed in 1923 on old piers dating from the 1890s. Closed to vehicular traffic, it has been incorporated into the Soden'
Emporia, KS Historic Bridges