We all love nature-themed destinations and our various lakes and parks that we explore whenever we can. This lake might be an attraction, but the history surrounding it is the best part by far. Make long lasting memories looking over and through these historic sites right here in Kansas. Let's go check them out!
Welcome to Lake Scott State Park, one of the most scenic areas of Kansas, but with the added benefit of plenty of rich history in the form of old historic homes, battle locations, and archaeological sites.
The lake was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, but its history mostly dates back to the 1700s, with some estimates going back as early as the 1300s.
The lake may be beautiful, but there are three major historical marks here that are worth more than a day on the water.
One main attraction here at Lake Scott is the Steele home.
Herbert Steele and his limestone brick home are a beautiful stop around the lake, and we wouldn't have this state park without the family's donation of the land. Steele also discovered the ruins of pueblo homes that were built and demolished in the area long before this home was erected.
Speaking of Steele's discovery, let's take a look at El Quartelejo (aka El Cuartelejo), the only ruins of a pueblo built this far north.
It was first excavated in 1898, and is thought to have been built by Taos or Picuris Indians fleeing Spanish control.
The last main attraction here at Lake Scott is Battle Canyon, a marked area where the battle of Punished Woman's Fork took place, the last violent encounter between the U.S. military and Native Americans in Kansas.
The Northern Cheyenne tribe were traveling through here to get to their former home in the north after escaping an Oklahoma reservation. All of the women, children, and elderly sheltered themselves in a cave that still stands today, so as to not be caught by crossfire. They kept moving towards their goal of Nebraska, and were pursued and mostly killed or captured by the soldiers, who refused to let them go.
Kansas' history isn't clean, but it's something we can all learn from and visit from time to time. Next time you're in the area for a day trip, remember to visit these historic sites for an experience you won't forget.
Address: 401 W Scott Lake Drive, Scott City, KS 67871
If you like your historic attractions a lot older than these, then enjoy this prehistoric prairie trail across Kansas, with plenty of dinosaurs in the path.
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