The American Flag on the Mound

One of the first things you will see as you approach Fredonia from either direction on Hwy. 400 is the 40 x 60 foot American Flag greeting travelers from a 100 foot flagpole atop Fredonia's South Mound.  The flag is the centerpiece of a charming park maintained by the Fredonia Lion's Club.  The park is located 3 blocks south on 7th street from the 4-lane Washington Street, then a right turn at the crest and follow the winding road to the top for unobstructed views for miles around.  The stones on the observation deck were once part of a nearby private school owned by the LaDow family who donated the land to the city for a park many years ago.

The Bandstand on the Courthouse Lawn

Built by the WPA in 1932, the quaint bandstand is located on the southwest corner of the downtown square.  Over the years, it has served as the charming focal point for numerous community events.  In recent years, antique benches and hitching post fencing from the 1886 courthouse have been returned to the courtyard.

The Clock Tower

Located on the north side of the square, the clock tower was erected in the 1960's to house the clockworks that were saved by local resident Gus Charlen when the 1886 courthouse was demolished.  View the enormous antique clockworks through the windows and watch as the paddles and gears turn as it chimes on the hour.

Wilson County Historical Museum

Located on the east side of the Fredonia square, the museum is housed in the former Wilson County Jail and Sheriff's residence built in 1915.  The museum houses an eclectic collection of early pioneer artifacts, period clothing, Indian artifacts, and even mastadon bones.  It also houses an extensive geneology section.  420 N. 7th.      NEW HOURS: Tuesday thru Friday, Noon-4:30 pm.     620-378-3965.

The Wilson County Historical Society was first organized in April 1940.  It was soon disbanded during World War II.  In 1960, a group of citizens interested in establishing a county museum revived the organization.  They sponsor the museum and publish a quarterly newsletter.  Memberships, open to all, help finance their operation.

An active part of the Society is a genealogical chapter.  Monthly meetings are held to help members develop research skills.  Preservation and publishing of county records are of utmost importance to the group.

The Society's Genealogical Research Library is open to the public during museum hours.  It contains a master obituary index extracted from the county's newspapers. Society members have compiled township notebooks, cemetery records, school records, and family histories.  Old county maps, county histories, reference books, and photographs are included in museum materials.  Researchers traveling to the museum might want to call ahead to make arrangements with the museum volunteers.

Historic Gold Dust Hotel

One of the most photographed buildings is on the southeast corner of the downtown square.  The Gold Dust Hotel opened in 1885.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  While no longer an operating hotel, the first floor has been restored to house the offices of the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce and meeting rooms.  The upper floors are closed with hopes of future restoration.  The Fredonia Chamber Office is generally open M-F, 9-12 & 12:30-4.  402 N. 7th.  620-378-3221.

The Historic Fredonia Downtown Square

Many of the other buildings on the downtown square were built in the late 1800's or early 1900's.  While some have been proudly restored, others have seen better days.  A walk around the square gives you an opportunity to look up and look back at the vision and grandeur of Fredonia's early settlers over a century ago. 

The Stone House Gallery

Just south of the southwest corner of the square is the Stone House Gallery.  Built in 1872, this State of Kansas Historic Site is the oldest house in Fredonia, built just 4 years after the town was founded.  The Stone House is the home to the Fredonia Arts Council and features monthly exhibits from local, area and regional artists.  The Gallery at 320 N. 7th is usually open M-Fafternoons or by appointent by calling 620-378-2052.  stonehouse320@earthlink.net.

Historic Homes

Fredonia has a large number of proud Victorian-era homes including the privately-owned Flack House at 8th and Jefferson streets, listed on the National Historic Register.  Other large homes are scattered throughout the town, with many located in the five blocks directly east of the downtown section.

Fort Row Site and the Opothleyahola Story

9 miles north of Fredonia on Harper Road, just as the road angles to the west to follow the southern bank of the Verdigris river, stands a sign marking the vicinity of Fort Row.  Although nothing remains of the old fort, the area was a major part of one of the largest Indian tragedies of the Civil War.  Early into the twentieth century, residents were witnessing piles of human and animal bones throughout the area.  The small stockade served about 80 local militia members.  Fredonia and other nearby communities would not be established for several more years. 

Creek Indian leader Opothleyahola and his people were forced out of Alabama and Georgia in the early 1800's after the sale of their lands to the government by the Lower Creeks.  He led his people to Indian Territory on the Trail of Tears.  There they settled and many prospered.  Most lived in homes.  Then came the Civil War.  Opothleyahola refused alliance with the Confederatey, although many other Indians had joined their ranks.  He received assurances from the Union that they would receive help and freedom in Free-State Kansas.  He led thousands of Creek braves, women and children northward.  Along the way, they were joined by Union loyalists from other tribes as well as hundreds of slaves who had also been promised freedom in Kansas.  After surviving two major battles along the way north, the group was again attacked by the Confederates at Chustenahal (Bird's Creek).  That battle in December 1861 left them fleeing for their lives in the bitter cold without clothing or provisions.  It was reported that 10% died from exposure within three months, leaving a trail of blood on ice.  The survivors continued the trek north hoping to get aid at Fort Row in Wilson County.  Fredonia and other cities to the south had not yet been established.  The little Fort Row was overwhelmed by the influx of refugees and unable to provide much relief.  Many died during that bitter winter around Fort Row.  Eventually, many of the survivors continued on their trek to Fort Belmont in Woodson County, then to LeRoy in Coffey County.  From LeRoy, 1000 of the Indian braves were marched to Camp Hunter in Humboldt where they were inducted into the Union Army as the 1st Indian Regiment.  Opothleyahola died in 1863.