Chautauqua County, KS
The area was once a part of the Lousiana Purchase and sold to the United States in 1803. The Osage Indians occupied this area with its vast native grasslands, game enriched woodlands, and fertile riverbottoms.
Texas longhorned cattle began arriving in the county in the late 1800s by the hundred thousands. Most were sent by rail to the town of Elgin, located in southern Chautauqua County, pastured on grass, and then shipped to Kansas City for marketing.
Throughout the county, bits of history can be viewed from a network of scenic back roads. Beautiful countryside vistas, history-filled museums, historic buildings and settings and restful parks can be appreciated throughout the year.
Explore Chautauqua County
Emmett Kelly Museum
The Emmett Kelly Museum houses memorabilia of the world famous Wearie Willie Emmett Kelly, who was born in Sedan in 1898 and of his son Emmett Jr.; also showing memorabilia of D.W. Washburn as Sparky The Clown, a juggler, ventriloquist, magician, and pantomimist. Sparky was born in Chanute, KS; 1500
Sedan, KS MuseumsThe Yellow Brick Road
The Yellow Brick Road in Sedan circles the entire downtown area with 11,786 purchased bricks with people's names inscribed on them. Every state in the United States is represented at least once, and 28
Sedan, KS One Of A KindsHollow's St. Charles School House
St. Charles Country School House is Sedan's most scenic setting with gazebo, winding board walk over a stream,and an outdoor theatre all in the hollow open to all. "The Hollow"
Sedan, KS Historic BuildingsGregg Theatre
The theater, reminiscent of days gone by, shows first run movies on weekends and is the home of a talented local community theater group, Howard County Players which produces two to three performances during the year.
Sedan, KS TheatresDowntown Turn-of-the-Century Buildings
More than a dozen retail shops along Main Street are housed in structures built prior to the turn-of-the-century, including Ackarman Hardware, which opened its doors in 1879 and is the valued cornerstone of Sedan'
Sedan, KS Historic DowntownsKurtis Arts Plaza
Art and Dance classes- Art Show with Yellow Brick Road Festival, Children's Art Show, Lovely flower garden and Prairie Passage Statue by Will Wilson. YBR Backyard BBQ Cook-off held May 28, 2016
Sedan, KS Art