Santa Fe Trail at Lost Springs
| Lost Spring, KS 2.5 miles west of Lost Springs Marion, KS 66859 Map This! |
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| skyways.lib.ks.us/history/lostspri.html |
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Lost Spring, which is actually 2 1/2 miles west of the village of Lost Springs, was a major watering place and campground. The Spring failed to flow at certain times of the year or it could have been covered by the Indians to discourage the Whiteman from crossing the Plains. There was something mysterious about it running for some and dry for others. During the 1840's the Army planted watercress and strawberries to supplement the military diet and help prevent scurvy. The watercress still grows today. Later, a hotel and tavern were built near this location. The area became known for its illicit activities, at least 11 murders occurred here.
- Watering place on Santa Fe Trail
- Called by Spaniards "Ollala Perdida” (sweet springs)
- Used from 1804 to 1872
- Hotel & tavern located southeast of spring
- Pony express post office in hotel
- Pony express stockade south of hotel
- 200 or more prairie schooners, wagons etc. would camp in circle some nights
- Indian battle site 1300 feet northwest of spring
- Graves of 17 cowboys that perished in blizzard in 1878