"Historic Baxter Springs, Kansas" Baxter Springs by basstbn

Baxter Springs Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 31 photos

Baxter Springs main street, once part of Route 66

On Route 66

Tucked away in the far southeastern corner of Kansas amongst the abandoned coal and lead mines is Baxter Springs, a town with a colorful history. It is probably best-known at this time as one of the three Kansas towns located along the 13 mile stretch of Route 66 that cuts across the corner of the state.

At Baxter Springs you can view a number of reminders of that fabled highway that at one time stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles. See my tips for more information.

Brush Creek Bridge on Route 66

A few miles outside of town is the only remaining rainbow arch bridge from Route 66. This 1923 structure would be a great place to photograph classic automobiles. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. See my tips for more photos and information.

Civil War and Other History

The Soldiers' Lot

Baxter Springs is one of a number of towns in eastern Kansas with a significant Civil War history. Two battles were fought in the area in 1863, and travelers may visit a battle site and the cemetery where the Union Army casualties are buried.

After the Civil War, Baxter Springs became a trail head for the cattle drives from Texas, and the town gained a reputation as one of the wildest cow towns in the West. After a few years, the railroad was extended through Indian Territory to Texas, and some semblance of calmness returned.