Through the courtesy of The Kansas Collection, this link will take you to several documents about Linn County's history.

1899 Map of Linn County

from History of Kansas, Noble Prentis, (Winfield: E.P. Greer. 1899)

Click here for the Kansas State Historical Society's bibliography of historical publications on Linn County

Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site

Visit the Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site web site, courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society.

On a clear spring morning in 1858, the day began with the usual "rural" preparations. A trip to the lumber mill at Trading Post. A wagon to be repaired. Chatting over the fence with neighbors. But that May 19, the day's activities were memorably interrupted.

A band of Border Ruffians, led by Charles Hamilton, traveled the surrounding area, rounding up neighbors and acquaintances. The band of pro-slavers rode on horseback, marching their hostages to a ravine one mile from the Missouri line. On Hamilton's order, the pro-slavers, still on horseback, took aim at their neighbors. Amazingly, six survived the ordeal, perhaps through the tenacious efforts of Sarah Read, wife of one of the hostages.

Top of page

Trading Post Museum

One of the earliest settlements in Kansas, Trading Post lies on the Military Road. Its proximity to Missouri was convenient for pro-slavery forces, gaining momentum and encouragement from Missouri Ruffians. 

In the spring of 1858, James Montgomery raided Trading Post, striking a popular pro-slavery "watering-hole." Barrel upon barrel of sod-corn whiskey was emptied into the dirt This act triggered Hamilton's rage and the result may have been the Marais des Cygnes Massacre.

Because of it's location, Trading Post was the site of much activity during these turbulent years. Following the Battle of Westport, as Union troops chased General Sterling Price's Confederate soldiers south, a small battle took place at Trading Post.

A monument honoring victims of the Marais des Cygnes Massacre was erected at Trading Post in 1888. The remains of four of the victims were buried there.

The Trading Post museum complex is located beside the cemetery.

Trading Post Museum Hours

9 - 5 Mondays through Saturdays

11:15 - 5 Sundays

Open March 1 through November 1

Top of page

Linn County Museum

Located at Dunlap Park, 2 blocks south of Main Street in Pleasanton, the museum offers a rich source of information about border conflicts and area history.

Displays detail the first lead mines in Kansas, discovered by Frenchmen in the 1830's and for which Mine Creek is named.

Visitors can follow the exploits of Quantrill, Jenison, and Montgomery.

Local artifacts from the Battle of Mine Creek are also on display.

One of the finest genealogy libraries in the area is housed here. You can explore period rooms, exhibits, and an authentic country store.

Linn County Museum Hours

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-4

Saturdays and Sundays 1-5

June thru September open daily 1-5, except Mondays

Top of page

Mound City Historic Park

The Mound City Historic Park is under the direction of the Mound City Historical Society. The park is a collection of 11 structures, many moved from various locations in Linn County. The structures contain artifacts that tell stories of Linn County from the 1840s to 1950.

The park is accessible for self-guided tours at all times. Each structure has an attached plaque explaining the significance of the structure.

The park is staffed on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. from May through the second weekend in October, and at other times by appointment.

For information call (913) 795-2892.

Top of page

Mine Creek Battlefield Park

Visit the Mine Creek Battlefield web site courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society.

Location: At the junction of U.S. 69 and Kansas Highway 52 (1 mile south of Pleasanton) head west on K-52, 1 mile to the Mine Creek Battlefield Park.

The only major Civil War battlefield in Kansas is located in Linn County. On Oct. 23, 1864 Union troops known as the "Army of the Border," led by Major General Samuel Curtis, overran General Price's men in the Battle of Westport. A 100-mile retreat ensued. Weighted down by wagon trains filled with loot collected during his raids, General Price jeopardized his men and his position for the plunder.

On Oct. 25, the wagon train became lodged in Mine Creek and the Confederate employed a rear-guard action rather than lose their bounty. Pleasanton's Cavalry troops thundered across the plains towards the confederates, who broke rank, dropped their guns, and ran..."like a herd of buffalo."

In the final tally, 2,500 Union troops defeated 6,500 Confederate soldiers.

Top of page

National Cemetery / Woodland Cemetery

The National Cemetery / Soldiers Lot was established in 1865 as an adjunct to the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. Located in the southwest corner of Mound City Woodland Cemetery, the National Cemetery / Soldiers Lot  was established as a burial site for Union Soldiers.

The first soldiers were re-interred there in 1867. On the 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Mine Creek a ceremony was held to dedicate a monument which still stands majestic watch over some fifty graves.

Those buried there include James Montgomery, Jayhawker chieftain; James Findlay Harrison, grandson of President William Harrison; Lt. Curtis, the only Union officer killed at the Battle of Mine Creek; and 17 unknown soldiers.

Woodland Cemetery is the burial site for many early pioneers, abolitionists, and one victim of the Maris des Cygne Massacre.

The cemetery is open daily. For tours call (913) 795-2892.

Top of page