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Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Towanda
Butler County, Kansas
ZipCodes
67144
Motto
Land of Many Waters
History & History-related items
Here is a history page for Towanda.
The area was first settled by C.L. Chandler. On the way back from his unsuccessful gold hunting adverture, he and his party heard of a place along the Whitewater River where living was good. He and a couple of others decided to head south and find the spring where Towanda later grew up. They did find a nice clear stream, much wildlife, many trees and decided to build a cabin there. Chandler later, in 1863, sold his land and buildings to James R. Mead. Mead's Ranch became a busy trading post and an Indian agency was founded there in 1864, lasting until 1867. Eventually, the area was Colonel Leavenworth's headquarters and where the Treaty of Medicine Lodge was signed. Though successful and welcomed by all people, Mead sold his interested here in 1870 and moved farther west. He laid out a townsite there he called "Wichita." Isaac Mooney then purchased the Towanda area land, filed homestead papers and platted the townsite. It isn't known for sure how Towanda received its name. It was the original name for the post office when it opened in 1860. Towanda is thought to be an Osage word meaning "many waters" or "rushing waters."
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Attractions
Towanda Area Historical Museum
Third and Main
Towanda, Kansas
Phone: 316-536-2500
Email
Attractions in Towanda.
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