Can you say you’ve driven on one of Kansas’s oldest roads before? Kansas isn’t by any stretch the oldest state in our country, but 1861 is still pretty old if you ask us. We don’t have many cities older than Kansas, but this old spot is one that many may not remember. I wonder what the view would look like back then!
If you know your Kansas history, you’ll also know that the oldest city in Kansas has always been Leavenworth. After crossing the river, Leavenworth is what you would see.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
In the earlier days of Leavenworth, you can imagine the little buildings that housed everything you needed in town, right by the railroad where they would get the most business.
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
The road running along the river separating the railroad from the rest of the city was Main street, but it has gradually changed here and there into what is now Esplanade Street. Driving down this stretch of road gives you the same view as you would have back then.
City of Leavenworth, Kansas Government Facebook
While you’re here, enjoy downtown Leavenworth where you can almost see what it used to be before we updated many of the buildings.
Dcoetzee/Wikimedia Commons
Restaurants like The Depot or Pullman Place are great places to start if you’re hungry, but you should also visit the shops selling antiques, teas, clothing, and more.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
As far as the drive goes, we recommend the view from just before Bob Dougherty Memorial Park, where you can see both the bridge and the river from the road.
Internet Archive Book Images/Flickr
Whether they thought they’d be one of the largest cities in Kansas when they started it we don’t know, but their current population of over 35,000 people makes them just the right size for many Kansans. Not too many, not too little.
Dcoetzee/Wikimedia Commons
When on your trip, we recommend a great day of driving N Esplanade or a picnic out on the walking paths by the railroad tracks running the length of the river. Make a day of it!
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
City of Leavenworth, Kansas Government Facebook
Dcoetzee/Wikimedia Commons
Internet Archive Book Images/Flickr
Speaking of old things in Kansas, you’ll want to check out these historic locations if you’re a fan of our local state history. If you have any spots around Kansas you think we should check out, submit them here!
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Address: N Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA
