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Osawatomie, Kansas

"Cradle of the Civil War"

Our 4,500 residents are eager to share their attractions, history and special events during your visit.

Located in eastern Kansas, off Highway 169, Osawatomie combines agriculture and commerce in a small town setting with blue Kansas skies, clear air, and lush green grass and trees.

Our name, "Osawatomie", reflects our Native American beginnings. It was chosen to combine the names of the Osage and Potawatomi tribes that moved into this area from Missouri in 1827. In 1837, the Potawatomi Methodist Mission was established upon the site of our future town. The mission was abandoned in 1848.

Osawatomie was founded in 1854 and settled by free-state families from the Ohio Valley and New England. The Adair Cabin, Old Stone Church and First Land Office reflect those early years. The Osawatomie State Hospital has been a leader in mental health in Kansas and the nation since 1864.

Our past is present today as you tour our city and visit with staff at the Adair Cabin, First Land Office and Osawatomie History Museum.

During your stay, share in our history and take time to see and enjoy our tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, ornamental street lights, timeless bridges and friendly merchants-- all the pleasures of small town living.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge which crosses the Marais des Cygnes River at First Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built during a three month period--October thru December, 1905, by the Kansas City Bridge Company, Kansas City, Mo. Its bid of $4,800

Osawatomie, KS Historic Bridges

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

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

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

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

Things to do near Osawatomie, KS

Cabela's

Cabela's retail showroom, is a 180,000 square ft. hunting, fishing, and related outdoor gear store. Visit the 11,500 square f...

The Honey Valley School

University of St. Mary

Merriam Aquatic Center

Open seasonally Memorial Day to Labor Day, take the plunge and escape the heat at the Merriam Aquatic Center. Merriam Aquatic...

Reno Methodist Church