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Baldwin City, Kansas

The Santa Fe Depot was built in 1906 and is the only remaining depot of Kansas' first railroad south of the Kaw, the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Ft. Gibson.

It includes unique architectural features of triple arched windows, floor water cooler, dual gas/electric lighting system, coal fireplace, and native limestone belt trim and buff brick veneer.

It welcomed both Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt when they visited Baldwin in 1911 and 1912. William McKinley also arrived in Baldwin on this railroad for a "whistle stop" during his campaign for the Presidency.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now belongs to the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society. It now serves as the departure point for the Midland Railway as well as offering historical displays of the railroad and Baldwin and Santa Fe Trail heritage.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Kibbee Cabin

[Kibbee Cabin] The Kibbee Cabin is a reproduction of a log cabin which stood on the crest of the Santa Fe Ridge (commonly called "Big Hill") north of Baldwin where a group of Methodist ministers met to form Baker University in 1857

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Old Castle Museum Complex

The 3-story native sandstone Castle was the first home of Baker University, Kansas' oldest 4-year college. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , it was built in 1857 and 1858, at a cost of $3,200 and includes native wood - mostly walnut - woodwork. It provided a "

Baldwin City, KS Museums

Baldwin, Historical Marker

Here, and for the next 300 miles west, Highway 56 roughly follows the old Santa Fe Trail, and frequently crosses it. White settlement began in this area in 1854, the year Kansas became a territory, and in 1855

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Area History Mural

The mural depicting area history was painted by local artist, Tom Russell. It is displayed in the Baldwin State Bank.

Baldwin City, KS Arts

Black Jack Log Cabin

A white oak log cabin stands at the roadside park three miles east of Baldwin on Highway 56. Built in observance of Kansas' centennial in 1961, it now houses historical artifacts as well as hosting meetings and gatherings.

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Things to do near Baldwin City, KS