Council Grove, Kansas

This small town was an important link in the famous Santa Fe Trail, one of the routes in the 1800’s western migration. Because of such, it contains 24 historic sites and other tributes to its colorful past. The Neosha River flows through the downtown area. This waterway was an important element in the trading post that was the origin of this small town. The quaint Farmer's and Grover's Bank has been in continuous operation since 1882. With its arched limestone stained glass windows, granite counters, ornate oak cabinetry teller 'cages' and decorative metal ceilings, this is one building in Council Grove you don't want to miss. Recreation opportunities are nearby at the Council Grove City Lake and the 3,000 acre Council Grove Lake Federal Reservoir. Council Grove was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band together for their trip west.