Geary County, KS
A tour through Geary County will inspire thoughts of the early settlers who journeyed westward on the trails of yesteryear. In the very heart of America's heartland, the pioneers discovered majestic vistas and rolling waves of tallgrass priaire lands characteristic of the picturesque Flint Hills. It is a region full of stories about courage, greed, determination, and innovation, where spritis of soldiers, Indians, and immigrants join scientists, students, and nature lovers.
Forts were built along major trails to protect white settlers from the Indians, and Fort Riley went on to play a key role in American military history. It was Cavalry Headquarters after the Civil War ... a story well told at the U.S. Cavalry Museum. Since World War I, members of Fort Riley's First Infantry Division, the "Big Red One," have been prominently protecting us aginst modern marauders, from Germany to Iraq.
Kansas' soldiers are honored at the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Junction City, the county seat and metropolitan center of Geary County. While in Junction City, visit the Geary County Historical Museum which houses three galleries focusing on the history of the area in a native limestone structure dating back to 1903.
Visitors are surprised to see all the water in our region. Milford Reservoir is the largest lake in Kansas. It is a great tour stop where the Nature Center studies Kansas' wildlife, and the Fish Hatchery is among the country's finest.
Geary County, originally bore the name "Davis County" in 1855. For several years the citizens of Davis County complained about living in an area named for the President of the Confederate States of America, even though he was a Secretary of War when the county was named for him. In 1889, the county's name was changed to Geary after John W. Geary, Governor of Kansas Territory.
Explore Geary County
Trolley Station
The Trolley Station was used as a baggage storage and waiting area for soldiers and families riding the inter-city trolley between Junction City and Fort Riley from 1901 until 1907. In 1907
Fort Riley, KS Historic BuildingsSt. Mary's Chapel
As the first stone church in Kansas, the original building was constructed by the Episcopalians in the mid 1850'
Fort Riley, KS Historic ChurchesGeary County Courthouse
This Roman Revival building was commissioned May 20, 1899, and was completed in May, 1900 at a cost of $35,000
Junction City, KS Historic CourthousesStarcke/Henderson Period House Museum
The Starcke/Henderson Period House museum located just south of the Geary County Historical Museum was developed to showcase the Historical Society museum's growing collection of vintage household furniture and accessories. The main portion of this brick cottage was built in 1885
Junction City, KS MuseumsTerritorial Capitol
In 1855, the nation wept for "Bleeding Kansas"
Fort Riley, KS Historic BuildingsEpiscopal Church of the Covenant
This historic limestone church was built in 1859 and is the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in Kansas.
Junction City, KS Historic ChurchesU. S. Cavalry Museum
The U.S. Cavalry Museum building was constructed in 1854 and used for nearly thirty years as the Post Hospital. In 1889, as Fort Riley'
Fort Riley, KS MuseumsKansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The 13x46 foot, black granite memorial was dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The memorial lists the names of the 797 Kansans who were either killed or are still officially listed as Missing in Action.
Junction City, KS MemorialsStatue of "Old Trooper Bill"
The Old Trooper has become a symbol at Fort Riley of the proud heritage of the Horse Cavalry. It is modeled after the drawing of "Old Bill," the cavalry soldier drawn by famous western artist, Frederic Remington. This sketch is displayed in the Cavalry Museum'
Fort Riley, KS MemorialsHistoric Opera House
The Junction City Opera House and City Offices/Fire Station opened in January, 1882, in a stately red brick structure featuring a tall pointed tower with a four-faced clock. In January 1898, almost 16
Junction City, KS Opera HousesFirst Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church was organized in Junction City on November5, 1865. This building was dedicated January 27, 1867, and served as the Baptist Church until the adjacent building was occupied in 1917. Under the stucco exterior are the original native limestone blocks.
Junction City, KS Historic Churches