We’ve all learned a bit of Kansas history, whether through schooling or living in and around it. There’s certainly a few towns with plenty of historical significance, but what about the homes that stand there? These museums in Kansas started as homes for some of our most important figures, and today they house our history in remembrance of their old owners. These homes hold history you might have skipped over, but they’re worth exploring even today.
1.Seelye Mansion - Abilene, Kansas
Seelye Mansion Facebook This mansion in Abilene is one of Kansas’ most beautiful, complete with a Tiffany fireplace and beautiful Georgian architecture. It was built in 1905 for only $55,000 for Dr. Seelye and his wife and still contains the original Edison fixtures.
- Evah C Cray Historical House Museum - Atchison, Kansas
Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum Facebook This carriage house, built in 1882, has a unique three-story tower that makes it look just like a castle. It also holds a small theater to show a film about Atchison’s architecture.
- Brown Mansion -Coffeyville, Kansas
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Brown Mansion was built in 1904, with three stories and 16 rooms. Of course, it cost only $125,000 back then, but it had an elevator and alarm system, making it far ahead of its time.
- Pioneer Mennonite Adobe House & Historical Museum - Hillsboro, Kansas
Hillsboro Museum Facebook This adobe house was moved into town in the 50s, but was built in 1876 by Russian Mennonite immigrants. It’s full of all sorts of things that would be used during that time period, making it seem like you’re stepping into another era altogether.
- Carroll Mansion - Leavenworth, Kansas
Leavenworth County Historical Society Facebook Leavenworth was the first city in Kansas, and this home was built soon after. It’s had many additions over the years, but still remains one of the town’s most historic buildings.
- Goodnow House - Manhattan, Kansas
Goodnow House State Historic Site Facebook This home in Manhattan was built by a man who advocated for equal education across Kansas. It still features many of the original furnishings as it did in 1857 when it was built.
- Koester House Museum - Marysville, Kansas
The Koester House Museum and Garden Facebook This home was built as a gift to Mr. Koester’s wife Sylvia in 1876. The decorations inside are part of the family’s collection, and live on as their legacy. Each piece of the home has a particular theme or reason, so don’t forget to ask about each feature.
- Carry A. Nation Home - Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Franklin B ThompsonFlickr Carry Nation began her crusades in Medicine Lodge, and her home was built here in 1882. Of course she didn’t win her piece in the end, but her legend survives through history and her home.
- Ward-Meade Historic Site - Topeka, Kansas
Marion Doss/Flickr Ward-meade is located on the Oregon Trail, and the whole site is full of homes built around the same time. It’s especially fun to attend during their Apple Festival!
- Salter House Museum - Argonia, Kansas
Franklin B ThompsonFlickr Known as the first woman mayor in America, her home is now a museum. She was nominated as a joke, but with her father (the first mayor) and the backing of women, Republicans, and prohibitionists, she won the seat.
While you’re exploring history, you might want to stop by some of these scenic areas of Kansas to boost your adventures even further!
Seelye Mansion Facebook
This mansion in Abilene is one of Kansas’ most beautiful, complete with a Tiffany fireplace and beautiful Georgian architecture. It was built in 1905 for only $55,000 for Dr. Seelye and his wife and still contains the original Edison fixtures.
Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum Facebook
This carriage house, built in 1882, has a unique three-story tower that makes it look just like a castle. It also holds a small theater to show a film about Atchison’s architecture.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Brown Mansion was built in 1904, with three stories and 16 rooms. Of course, it cost only $125,000 back then, but it had an elevator and alarm system, making it far ahead of its time.
Hillsboro Museum Facebook
This adobe house was moved into town in the 50s, but was built in 1876 by Russian Mennonite immigrants. It’s full of all sorts of things that would be used during that time period, making it seem like you’re stepping into another era altogether.
Leavenworth County Historical Society Facebook
Leavenworth was the first city in Kansas, and this home was built soon after. It’s had many additions over the years, but still remains one of the town’s most historic buildings.
Goodnow House State Historic Site Facebook
This home in Manhattan was built by a man who advocated for equal education across Kansas. It still features many of the original furnishings as it did in 1857 when it was built.
The Koester House Museum and Garden Facebook
This home was built as a gift to Mr. Koester’s wife Sylvia in 1876. The decorations inside are part of the family’s collection, and live on as their legacy. Each piece of the home has a particular theme or reason, so don’t forget to ask about each feature.
Franklin B ThompsonFlickr
Carry Nation began her crusades in Medicine Lodge, and her home was built here in 1882. Of course she didn’t win her piece in the end, but her legend survives through history and her home.
Marion Doss/Flickr
Ward-meade is located on the Oregon Trail, and the whole site is full of homes built around the same time. It’s especially fun to attend during their Apple Festival!
Known as the first woman mayor in America, her home is now a museum. She was nominated as a joke, but with her father (the first mayor) and the backing of women, Republicans, and prohibitionists, she won the seat.
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