Council Grove
Neosho Riverwalk
Just west of the stoplight for Hwy 177 & Main Street, Council Grove
The Neosho Riverwalk connects the Madonna of the Trail statue, Guardian of the
Grove statue, the Neosho River Crossing and the Kaw Mission Historic Site. This
ADA accessible, lighted and nicely landscaped walkway has become a favorite
gathering place for those who enjoy the serenity of nature.
Neosho River with its high embankments, due to frequent flooding
Guardian of the Grove Statue
Near the bridge crossing the Neosho River, Council Grove
Guardian of the Grove
This statue honors the Native American Kaw or Kansa Tribe. Together with the
Madonna of the Trail, these two statues symbolize the true story of the West.
This bronze statue was created by Council Grove artist Mark Sampsel and was
authrorized by Kaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Madonna of the Trail
Corner of Union and Main Streets, Council Grove
Madonna of the Trail
This striking statue, depicting a pioneer mother with two children, pays tribute
to the sturdy women of covered wagon days. The 10-feet-tall figure is made of
pink Algonite stone and was erected in 1928 by the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Identical Madonna statues were erected in historically significant
communities in 11 other state
wagon trail stopped at Council
Grove
it has the last hard wood trees for repairs
before heading West on the Santa Fe trail
typical of the trail wagons
mural of a Bison on a town wall
Hays House 1857
112 West Main, Council Grove (ph. 620-767-5911)
Town founder Seth Hays, a grandson of Daniel Boone, opened the Hays House in
1857. Over the years, the Hays House was a gathering place for church services,
court trials, bawdy theatricals and politicians' speeches. Among its early
patrons were George A. Custer and Jesse James. Today the Hays House is famous as
the oldest continuously operated restaurant west of the Mississippi River and
the home of fantastic fare. (Order up the marinated brisket, Beulah's Ham, the
crispy chicken fried in cast-iron skillets, or the fresh peach pie topped with
real cream and you'll agree with the rave reviews.)
Council Grove National Bank
Building
130 West Main Street, Council Grove
Council Grove National Bank
Completed in 1887, this bank that anchors a corner of downtown is a fine example
of Western Commercial architecture. The exterior of the building was refurbished
in 1974 and, after a 1978 fire, additional work restored the lobby to an
appearance reminiscent of 1887. Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, the building continuously operated as a bank until 1978, and now houses
several business offices.
commercial building (1883)
Kaw Mission State Historic Site
500 N. Mission Street, Council Grove
(ph. 620-767-5410)
The Kaw (or Kansa) Indians lived in three villages southeast of Council Grove
from 1848 until their removal south to Indian Territory in 1873. Methodist
Episcopal missionaries built this school for Kaw children in 1851. But when
efforts to influence the Native Americans failed, the missionaries turned their
attention to educating white students. Today, the two-story limestone Kaw
Mission, the region's oldest stone structure showcasing the heritage of the Kaw
Indians, the Santa Fe Trail and early-day Council Grove
Ritz theater
City Hall
municipal building
store with mural along the side
church
flower stand in front of what is now the Community Center
