Atchison, Kansas History

Atchison, Kansas - Page 2

The title to the school lands remained in question for some time, but in 1857 all lands embraced within the corporate limits of the town were acquired by the town company from the general government, and in turn, conveyed the lots to the individual purchasers, the titles being finally confirmed by the court.

During these early days of Atchison's history, the city was heavily involved in the Kansas-Missouri Border War, as the vast majority of her initial settlers were pro-slavery advocates. Despite these troubles, Atchison grew very fast and by the fall of 1856, she boasted some 50 new buildings.

The first schools in the town were private, the first of which was opened in 1857 by Lizzie Bay. The first school district was established in October, 1858, and a month later the Atchison free high school was opened at the corner of Atchison and Commercial Streets.

Atchison, Kansas around 1860.

Dr. John H. Stringfellow had North Atchison surveyed and platted in the fall of 1857, which started more new additions. In February, 1858, West Atchison was laid out by John Roberts, and in May, Samuel Dickson had his property surveyed as South Atchison. Still another addition was made by John Challis some time later.

On February 12, 1858, the legislature issued a charter to the city of Atchison, which was approved by the people on March 2nd at a special election. The first city officers were elected at a second special election on March 13, 1858. That same year, Atchison also became the county seat, with Lancaster, some 11 miles west, and Sumner, 12 miles south, as rivals. The following year the Atchison County courthouse would be built in the city. It would later be replaced by a stone courthouse built in 1897, which continues to stand today.

Atchison County courthouse, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

Among other early settlers in Atchison were the Benedictine monks who established St. Benedict’s Abbey in 1858. Over the next years, they would also establish Mount St. Scholastica in 1863 and for the next 150 years, the Benedictine Brothers and Sisters would play an integral role in the community’s cultural, religious and educational development. Their buildings and people are still prominent in the community of Atchison today.

During this time, the transportation business was immense. During the summer of 1858 alone, twenty-four trains consisting of 775 wagons, 1,114 men, 7,963 oxen, 142 horses, 1,286 mules and 3,730,905 pounds of merchandise came through Atchison.

One single train - sent out by Hockady, Burr & Co. consisted of 105 wagons, 225 men, 1,000 oxen, 200 mules, 50 horses and 465,500 pounds of merchandise. This was the largest train that ever left any point for the West, the goods being purchased to supply a chain of stage station stores which Hockady, Burr & Co. had located between Atchison and Salt Lake City. By the early part of 1859 the city boasted eight hardware establishments, 19 retail grocery stores, eight wholesale groceries, twelve dry goods stores and 26 law firms. The population at this time was about 500.

Continued Next Page

St. Benedict's Abbey, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

The old Atchison depot is a Visitor's Center today, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

<< Previous 1 2 3 Next >>

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Old West Wanted Posters and Wild West Prints - From outlaws wanted by the authorities, such as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and the Wild Bunch, to other Old West advertising, such as Pony Express, Stagecoach Rules, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and more. Prints measure 11"x17" are are produced on glossy, 12 point paper. See the entire collection HERE! Just $7.99.