Sumner County, KS
Nestled within Sumner County are seven cities brimming with popular attractions, historic sites, cultural activities, festivals and rodeos. For its 25,000 residents, Sumner County boasts excellent recreational facilities, museums sharing the frontier spirit, many special events and several historical sites listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.Sumner County's rich history began when Texans drove their cattle over the Chisholm Trail to the railroad station in Abilene. The Texas drovers were suprised and delighted to find full streams and rich grasslands for their herds. News spread about the opportunities, and the homesteaders made their way to this area. Wellington was designated as the permanent county seat in 1872.
The county's heritage included violent murders, grasshopper plagues, floods and droughts, and threats of Indian raids. Flour mills were erected and the first railroads were built to help market the county's huge wheat yields.
It's easy to get to Sumner County by auto on I-35 north/south or 160 east/west. Commercial air service is only 30 minutes away in Wichita.
Explore Sumner County
"Talking Tombstones Tour"
During the "Talking Tombstones Tour", some of Caldwell's infamous cowtown characters"come back" to tell their stories at their real graves.
Caldwell, KS ToursArt and Outdoor Murals
Caldwell has a variety of Murals throughout the city.
- Restored Coca-Cola Sign
- Heritage Mural (in Heritage Park
- Caldwell, KS Arts
Cranmer House
One Conway Springs home is of special interest because it was built by the founder of the town, Hiram M. Cranmer, and was one of the first larger homes in the community. Mr. Cranmer built his first home in what was to become Conway Springs - a sod house located at what is now 217
Conway Springs, KS Historic HomesPost Office Mural
The Caldwell Post Office, built in the 1930s, is listed on the National Historic Register, as it displays one of the collection of murals commissioned during the Depression Era by the WPA. The mural, "Cowboys Driving Cattle," was painted by Kenneth Evett in 1941.
Caldwell, KS ArtsGhost Riders of the Chisholm Trail Silhouette
The "Ghost Riders of the Chisholm Trail" are life-size cattle drive figures on stoney bluff astride the real Chisholm Trail. The "Ghosts" will forever remind us of the great cattle drives, 1866-1886
Caldwell, KS ArtsSpring House
The spring house at Conway Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is immortalized within the city park where visitors can still see the bubbling water as it freely flows into the encased pool. The story goes that in 1882
Conway Springs, KS LandmarksCaldwell Railroads
The Santa Fe Railroad was the first railroad that came into Caldwell. Traces of the pens are still visible as well as the roundhouse.
Caldwell, KS Railroad HistoryWellington Municipal Golf Course
Wellington Municipal Golf Course is one of the finest courses in the region! *18 Holes *Car Rental *Pro Shop
Wellington, KS Golf CoursesState Bank Building
The State Bank had its beginning with the town. It was founded as a private bank by James M. Harper, G. Douglas and J.C. Lutz. The three partners were rated with net assets of over $200,000. Mr. Harper was in charge of the bank, the first in the new town. Mr. Dengler died early in the bank'
Conway Springs, KS Historic BuildingsCentral Park
Central Park at the west end of Spring Avenue, is two blocks square, and contains facilities often used by citizens and visitors in the community.
At the end of the 19
Conway Springs, KS Recreation