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The legend of the Jayhawk States that: "Early one autumn morning in 1856, Pat Devilin, a Free-State Irishman, rode into Osawatomie with his saddle bags laden with considerable goods. As he tied his horse in front of one of the stores, one of the men standing nearby said, 'Pat, it, looks like you have been foraging.' Pat, as he mounted the steps replied,'Yes, I have been over in Missouri jayhawking.' When asked what he meant by the expression he said that in the old country they had a bird that worried its prey before devouring it. He added that what he had been doing was jayhawking. This is the only known origin of the word."

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Soldier's Monument

The Soldiers Monument was dedicated August 30, 1877, and was erected to honor the five men killed in the battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856.

Osawatomie, KS Monuments

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

John Brown Memorial Park

The twenty acre John Brown Memorial Park is a National Historic Site donated to the State of Kansas by the Womens Relief Corps to preserve the site of the Battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856

Osawatomie, KS Memorials

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

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

Lansing Historical Museum

Ernie Miller Nature Center & Park

The Woodlands Racing

Miami County Swan River Museum

Osawatomie History Museum