Wakarusa River Valley
Heritage Museum
716 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047 In Bloomington Park on the west side of Clinton Lake
EXHIBITS
1
TWIN MOUND,
BELVOIR and
NEW BELVOIR
COMMUNITIES
Twin Mound -- In 1857 Henry Hiatt sold his interest in the Bloomington sawmill and established a homestead of 160 acres about seven miles southwest. Rising from the plains in this area are two natural mounds. If viewed from the east, they appear to be identical. Hiatt named the community Twin Mounds but dropped the "s" within a few years.
(OLD) Belvoir -- Many of the original settlers in this community came from New England states in late 1854 and early 1855. They staked claims along a rutted wagon trail that led from Lawrence to Emporia. Eventually it became known as Belvoir when prominent landowner Lawrence D. Bailey, named his estate after the famous Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
NEW Belvoir -- In 1873 the St. Louis, Lawrence & Denver Railroad was constructed along the north bank of the Wakarusa River. The Belvoir Post Office was moved two and a half miles north so that it would be on the rail line. Thus, New Belvoir came into existence and gained momentum for a time with the railroad station.
2
COMMUNITY EXHIBIT
This permanent exhibit defines the early years (1854-1875) of the communities established along the Wakarusa River Valley and to the settlers that formed the land and shaped local and national history. During this time, the Bleeding Kansas era brought many locals to the forefront of the national struggle over slavery including a vital role in the Underground Railroad.
3
ANGELS OF FREEDOM
Based on a historical book written by Martha Parker, the museum's founder, this exhibit tells the narrative of the heroic men and women of the Wakarusa Valley who showed extraordinary courage and commitment to freedom for all. Many who settled in the area were avid anti-slavery supporters, therefore it comes as no surprise that the transport of freedom seekers passed through the area via the Underground Railroad.
TO READ SOME EXCERPTS
FROM THIS EXHIBIT.