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Neodesha, Kansas

Installed in 1938 on the lobby walls of the Neodesha Post Office is a WPA mural entitled "Neodesha's First Inhabitants" painted by Bernard Steffen. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because because this mural is one of a limited number of artist works that were commissioned in the depression era by the WPA to keep our country's cultural talents employed during the financial crisis.

Steffen painted this on four masonite panels instead of canvas. The setting of the mural is staged about where 4th street now runs. The mural depicts the friendly relations between the Osage Indians of southeastern Kansas and the early white settlers. On the right side of the panels, Chief Little Bear waves to Dr. T. Blakeslee, a physician responsible for much of the peacefulness between the two cultures. Little Bear's wife and daughter stand behind him. Blakeslee, mounted on horseback, waves back. On the left side of the panels, the Indian tribe works busily in front of their teepees, carving canoes, making pots, tanning hides, drying meats, and carrying wood. A field of grain grows close to the left corner of the panel. Tows of corn slope down the rolling hills toward the white settlement.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Main Street Tour

Because of its historic downtown, Neodesha was selected as a Kansas Main Street City in 1993. The occidental Hotel, later owned by Carrie Brown, was then renamed the Brown Hotel. The wooden hotel was destroyed by fire in 1895. Carrie rebuilt this fine brick hotel in 1896 and added the verandah in 19

Neodesha, KS Tours

Historic St. Ignatious

The St. Ignatious Church originated in 1876 and the present church was built in 1912.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Neodesha Arts Association

Housed in an impressive Georgian building built in 1914, the Neodesha Art Association sponsors summer theater for children, music performances, and drama. On the second Saturday of every September it hosts an Arts and Crafts Fair for area artisans with fun, food, and entertainment for all ages.

Neodesha, KS Arts

Historic Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension was finished in 1909. It wasa Mission church of the Independence Diocese of the Episcopal Church under the Bishop of the Wichita Diocese.

Neodesha, KS Historic Churches

Cemetery Tour

The Neodesha Cemetery has markers of some of the first founders and residents of early Neodesha. J.B. Keys, along with Robert S. Futhey discovered the present site of Neodesha. The claim to the land, bought for $500

Neodesha, KS Cemeteries

Things to do near Neodesha, KS

Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area

The Environmental Education Area provides an excellent opportunity to experience and learn about the nature of eastern Kansas...

Parsons Golf Club and Fitness

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Genealogical Society

Research Columbus and your local family history....