The Conestoga Wagons were used primarily to haul freight on the Santa Fe Trail and other freight trails. They could handle two tons of goods. The wagon in our displayed in the Museum Comples bears the inscription “Joseph Edgar – 1831”.
There is a series of 1939 aerial photographs, showing the route of the Trail in the county as well as rut sites and landmarks. rn
The Commercial Hotel built in 1883 and run by Mrs. W.P. Loucks, had a good trade. Mrs. Loucks, the genial hostess, was the pioneer hotel keeper of Lakin. She came here in 1879 when Lakin was a way station on the Santa Fe and opened an eating house for the railroad employees.
“She has gained a wide reputation for running one of the best hotels in Southwest Kansas. The tables are always supplied with the best foods in season and we can conscientiously recommend the Commercial to the traveling public.” (Advocate, 1887)
In 1948 it was still used as a hotel named the Dowd Hotel, and today it is the “Pioneer Home,” a multiple family living establishment. rn
The Lakin Christian Church was organized in 1901 in the old courthouse building, and the existing building was dedicated in 1908.
The church is made of concrete, is nearly square, and has a splendid seating capacity.
Lincoln and Buffalo Streets
rnThe Columbian Schoolhouse, built in 1893, was named after the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. Later shortened to Columbia, the school conducted its last class approximately 1945. This one room school was moved to the museum site from 15 miles north of Lakin and restored in 1984.rn
Lakin originated as one of the early stops on the Santa Fe Railroad from Dodge City to Colorado in 1872. This depot, constructed in 1876, replaced the original boxcar depot. The depot was moved to the museum site and restored in 1984.
Mr. James Thomas, grandson of the O’Loughlins, had worked for the railroad for many years. He helped to put the station in proper order and contributed countless pictures, documents and equipment to make the depot complete. rn
The O’Loughlin house was called, “The Little White House”, as it was the largest building in the town and was the center for social gatherings, church services, meetings and housed visiting dignitaries.
The White House is the oldest two-story house in Lakin. It was built in 1875 for Alonzo Boylan, the first depot agent. John and Mary O’Loughlin’s wedding reception was held there in 1882. In 1916 the house was purchased by the O’Loughlin family and moved to its present site. It was remodeled and became the home of the William O’Loughlins, a son of John and Mary.
It has been decorated in keeping with the 1916 era, and is located at the Museum Complex.
Step back in time as history unfolds at the Kearny County Museum on Buffalo Street. Established in 1979, the museum won the Kansas Historical Society’s Award of Excellence in 1982.
In 1974, the museum property, one-half city block, was given to the Kearny County Historical Society by Jennie Rose O’Loughlin, daughter of John and Mary O’Loughlin. Jennie’s father, John, was the county’s first permanent white settler in what was to become Kearny County. He was also the first permanent settler of Southwest Kansas. In 1873 John came to the railroad designated stop of Lakin to establish a store.
The complex consists of the museum building constructed in 1979 and annex, the White House, School House, Santa Fe Depot, Farm Machinery building and a Round Barn, totaling over 20,000 square feet. The Lakin area was an important part of the Santa Fe trail and houses an excellent Santa Fe Trail exhibit. The 1831 Conestoga Wagon is quite impressive.
The Museum was built in 1979. It houses a large reference library, with volumes reaching back as far as 1847. Extensive files on Kearny County history, families, newspapers, county records are housed in the Museum. An extensive collection of indexed photographs, Kansas Historical Society publications, and all newspapers printed in the county are on microfilm.
Course Access: Private
Holes: 9
Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes
Bombers, Cruisers, Modifieds, Sprint, Super Stocks, Go-Karts, Midgets, Flat Track Motorcycles
– NCRA, KORR, SMRS/RMMRA, ASCS 360, TORA LM
– National Championships
Event schedules, standings, and results posted on website.
