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William M. Mills, an oilman from Pennsylvania, drilled over 400 oil and gas wells in his lifetime. He drilled the Norman #1 well in Neodesha, Kansas which was the first successful commercial oil well west of the Mississippi and opened up the Mid-continent oil field. His companies supplied gas to the town of Osawatomie, Paola, and Spring Hill. In 1902, he used profits from these ventures to build the magnificent home on First Street.

The Queen Anne style house was designed by the famous architect, George Barber and cost $49,000 to build. It has over 7,000 square feet, 9 fireplaces, elaborate woodwork and ornamental ceilings. During the mid 1900s the house was converted to apartments and allowed to deteriorate, but is now being restored to its original beauty by State Senator Doug Walker and his family. The home is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Mills House

William M. Mills, an oilman from Pennsylvania, drilled over 400 oil and gas wells in his lifetime. He drilled the Norman #1

Osawatomie, KS Historic Homes

First Land Office

This land office building was built in 1854 and was used by the first mayor of Osawatomie, H. B. Smith, and his brother who were the first land patent agents in the territory. It was deeded to the city in 1954 by A. W. Youngberg as a memorial to his wife.

Osawatomie, KS Pioneer Life

Adair Cabin State Historic Site and Museum

The territorial log cabin, which now houses the John Brown Museum, was built in 1854 as the home of Reverend Samuel L. and Florella (John Brown's half sister) Adair. The home was frequented by Brown during his several journeys to Kansas between 1855 and 1858. The Adairs shared John Brown'

Osawatomie, KS Museums

Osawatomie History Museum

Exhibits include The Railroad, Oswatomie State Hospital, pre-Civil War, Rural Culture, and the Social History of Osawatomie. Special rotating exhibits present Black History Month in February, Women's History Month in March; April, Art; May, Alumni; June, John Brown; August, Founders Day;

Osawatomie, KS Museums

Old Stone Church

One of the first churches in Kansas, this church was built by a Congregationalist group and is typical of the church structures built during pioneer days in Kansas.

Osawatomie, KS Historic Churches

Things to do near Osawatomie, KS

Group Tours - call the CVB to schedule

If you are a group travel planner and wish to visit Merriam's tour stops, give the CVB a call to schedule today. From handmad...

Richard Allen Cultural Center

The Richard Allen Cultural Center opened its doors on July 19,1992--across the street from the historic Bethel A.M.E. Church ...

National Fred Harvey Museum

Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center

Middle Creek Theater

We have live country music every Saturday night at 7:30 pm. We also have special shows such as shows with "The Bellamy Broth...