Kearny
 County
 Historical  Museum

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Lakin, in southwest Kansas, is a town full of proud Kansans. Not only are they proud of Kansas, they are especially proud of Kearny County and its history, including the Santa Fe Trail, and the fact certainly shows in their museum complex. 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. John O'Loughlin was the county's first permanent white settler, coming here in the spring of 1873 to establish a trading post beside the Santa Fe Trail. The complex consists of the museum building and annex, the White House, the schoolhouse, depot and a metal building to house farm equipment.

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. For several years the house was used for social meetings and church services. 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. The Columbia School was built twenty miles north of Lakin in 1893, the year of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The building was moved to the complex in 1984.

The Santa Fe Depot was purchased in 1982 with donations given by Kearny County residents and school children. It was built in 1876 to replace a boxcar that was used as a station first. 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.

In 1994 the Kearny County Historical Society purchased five lots east of the complex from the Farmers' Co-Op. A large metal building, on the property, will house farm equipment and should be ready for viewing in the spring.

Among its Santa Fe Trail display items, the museum has a Conestoga wagon bearing 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.

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