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Baldwin City, Kansas

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 the town of Palmyra was founded. When Baker University was established on the outskirts in 1858 a new town sprang up. It was named for John Baldwin, an Ohio capitalist, who in 1857 hauled a steam sawmill in over the trail. By 1863, Palmyra has merged with Baldwin.

Local settlers were "Free-State" in the fight over slavery; several were captured in a Proslavery raid of 1856. Among Free State leaders was Dr. Andrew T. Still, founder of osteopathy, whose theory of healing developed here.

Baker University, named for Methodist Bishop Osmon Baker, is the state's oldest 4-year college. It houses the famous Bishop Quayle Bible Collection and its first building, the "Old Castle", is now a museum.

Erected by the Kansas State Historical Society and State Highway Commission

Attractions and Upcoming Events

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

Santa Fe Trail Well

Located three blocks north of Highway 56 on Washington Street in Baldwin (the only Palmyra street to still carry its original name), the Santa Fe Trail Well provided the first fresh water for travelers on the Trail.

Hand dug to 40 feet, it was later deepened to 70

Baldwin City, KS Pioneer Life

Parmenter Hall

Parmenter Hall with its distinguishing tower, is the first building actually built on the Baker University campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The cornerstone was laid in June, 1866, but lack of financing delayed completion until 1881

Baldwin City, KS National Register

Baldwin Golf Course

The Baldwin Golf Association owns and operates a 9-hole sand green golf couse and clubhouse southeast of the corner of Main and College (southeast of Allen Park).

While the club is a membership operated facility, it is available to non-members and guests as well.

Baldwin City, KS Golf Courses

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

Things to do near Baldwin City, KS

Clinton Lake Wildlife Area

More than 11,000 acres are open to hunting at Clinton. Deer and squirrel thrive in the woodlands. Brushy fencelines, small cr...

Silver Lake Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

Lake Shawnee Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 4 days...