As One Saw “Oscaloosa” in 1858

Originally printed in The Kansas National Democrat, Lecompton, Kansas Territory, August 1858

Reprinted in The Oskaloosa Independent, January 23, 1941

Oskaloosa, Jefferson County, K.T., July 20, 1858

FRIEND BRIGGS — For the benefit of the traveling public, I wish to give through your paper, a short description of the shortest and best way route between Lecompton and Atchison. In the first place, it may be well to know, that there are two old routes; one running upon the West side of Grasshopper Creek, and crossing at the old Indian Mill ford, from thence across the Delaware Reserve, keeping the old Parkville trace, to the junction of it, with the Lawrence and Doniphan road near the town of Oscaloosa. The objections to this route, besides being circuitous, are the impossibility of fording the Grasshopper, a great part of the year, and about six miles of wet bottom (this year). The other route lies across the ferry, (with quite reasonable fare,) at the mouth of the Grasshopper, and keep the Leavenworth road several miles in the Kaw Bottom, crossing Ten Mile, or Stone House Creek and taking the left fork of the “Round Mound” upon the Lawrence and Doniphan road, following it to Oscaloosa. The latter has all the objections of the former, except fording the Grasshopper.

Now, “the route,” is at last surveyed, staked and marked, leaving the Leavenworth road at a point a quarter of a mile east of the ferry, running past the school house in the timber; and the very shortest possible cut across the prairie to a point of bluff which breaks down by successive steps to the bottom prairie. It was at this place the rocks were quarried for building the saw mills near the ferry, the grade up the bluff, though capable of improvement, is naturally very easy, and from this standpoint the Capital of Kansas is better seen at one view than from any other place, and the road continues on, through a pleasant grove keeping a “divide,” in nearly an air line to the junction of the old route, with the Lawrence and Doniphan roads before mentioned. It will be seen then, that this route lies between the others, with three miles less bottom, much less hill, and from three to four miles less distance, being much pleasanter to travel. From Oscaloosa, it keeps the old road, via Hickory Point.

One word about Oscaloosa. In my travels of the Territory, I have found people generally ignorant of the situation of this place, and as it is a real live two horse town it may be well for your readers to be posted. It is situated on the township line, between townships nine and ten, range nineteen, one half mile west of the dried up town of Jacksonville, as on the map, and embraces about 200 acres of as pretty rolling prairie, with excellent springs of water, as can be found in any country. It is not boasting to say it excels any and every town in Kansas, off the Kansas and Missouri rivers, and being strictly temperate, has outstripped all places of its age. It is at a point where many important roads intersect; well provided with water and timber and most excellent farming country, which is fast improving. There are two good saw mills in constant operations, with burs and bolts attached, for grinding all kinds of grain. — There are about 80 dwelling houses, and more going up, with a population of over 400. The citizens have just subscribed about $800 towards building a school house; the ground floor will be 30 by 40 feet, with posts 21 feet high. The quarter block, donated by Jesse Newell, that whole souled man, Uncle Jesse, is the finest location in town. The different religious denominations hold their regular stated meetings at this place.

This shows that towns can be built up without agents to puff and blow, and lie, by hawking shares all over the territory. I will challenge any one to show a town that has done more in twelve months, under like circumstances. There will be strong competition for the county seat, next October, and as Oscaloosa is three miles nearer the center of the county than any other place, I think its chances favorable. — It is 22 miles southwest of Leavenworth City on a direct line to Ft. Riley, by the new bridge built at Russell’s Mill across the Stranger, and another across the Grasshopper at Ozawkie.

Any one passing this way, will find an agreeable stopping place at the Kansas Hotel. This house has been refitted and furnished, it has also a good barn well supplied with hay and grain, and I will guarantee that man or beast will be well cared for, and kindly treated, the charges are moderate.

I had intended to speak of other points on the route first mentioned, but am admonished by the length of this letter to stop for the present, hoping you may make it convenient to call up this way soon.

            With great respect, I remain, Yours Truly, Jefferson

This story appeared in “Yesteryears” in April 2009.