=The State Historical Society.= The State Historical Society was
organized in 1875. From that time until the present the Society has
gathered and kept books, writings, narratives, maps, relics and other
matter relating to the history of Kansas. In these collections may be
found information concerning the explorations, the Indians, the
overland travel, the settlements, and the condition and progress of
the State in its various departments. Volumes of clippings, files of
newspapers, and thousands of books, provide a very complete record of
all phases of the State’s history. One of the interesting features is
the collection of relics, among which are: an old Spanish sword
supposed to have belonged to one of Coronado’s soldiers; the pistol of
the Jayhawker, James Montgomery; two cannon used in the border
troubles; and the cap, saddle, and sword of John Brown. There are many
Indian pipes, ornaments, implements, arrowheads, and a war bonnet. The
historical collections, which have increased from year to year, are
very interesting and should be seen by every citizen of Kansas. The
Historical Society had rooms in the State Capitol until the completion
of Memorial Hall, when it was moved into the new building. Thus
Memorial Hall stands as a tribute not only to the soldiers but to the
entire history of Kansas.
SUMMARY
In late years Kansas has taken many steps to preserve its
history. Some of its most prominent memorials are: Pawnee
Rock; Pike Memorial; Santa Fe Trail markers; Pawnee Capitol;
John Brown’s battle-field; monuments to commemorate the
battle of Osawatomie, the Marais des Cygnes massacre, and
the Quantrill raid. Many other monuments and tablets have
been erected in different parts of the State to commemorate
important events. Memorial Hall, completed in 1914, was
built in honor of the soldiers and sailors who served in the
Civil War. This building provided fitting quarters for the
Kansas Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, and for
the State Historical Society which has a large and valuable
collection of original historical material.
REFERENCES
Blackmar, Kansas, Selected Topics.
Inman, The Old Santa Fe Trail.
Historical Collections, vol. XI, p. 253; vol. X, pp. 15, 50, 472.
QUESTIONS
1. How long since Kansas became a state?
2. What places of historic interest are there in the State?
3. What places of historic interest are there in your locality?
Have they been marked in any way?
4. What have you learned from the old settlers about the history
of your locality?
5. Locate Pawnee Rock. Give its early history. Its recent
history.
6. Give an account of Pike’s visit to the Pawnee Indians. Where
was the Indian village? How has this event been commemorated?
7. Give an account of the marking of the Santa Fe Trail.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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