Stories & Field Notes

In a quiet neighborhood in Hays, Kansas, a simple stone marker is all that remains of Boot Hill Cemetery. But in 1867, this hillside marked the edge of a growing frontier town. Long before Dodge City made the name famous, Hays was home to Kansas’ first Boot Hill—where figures like Wild Bill Hickok crossed paths with a community still finding its footing in the American West.

From state-shaping politics to untold stories of resistance and resilience, these Topeka landmarks invite locals and travelers to experience the capital city’s soul through its history. John Ritchie House SOUTHEAST TOPEKA One of the oldest homes still standing in Topeka, the John Ritchie House is more than a historical site; it’s a monument to courage. Built in the 1850s, it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, offering safe passage to enslaved people seeking freedom

Mausoleum Row is more than a resting place — it is Topeka’s memory, preserved in stone. The families buried here built legacies. They shaped the very streets we walk today. Visiting this stretch of the cemetery is a reminder that history is not confined to books; it is all around us, waiting to be read in weathered names, graceful columns, and the stories of those who came before.

Photo of the Week is a series showcasing an image I've captured and sharing the story behind it.

A tour of Red Rocks State Historic Site connects visitors with one of the most influential families of the early 20th century.

Dwight & Mamie Eisenhower’s love endured war, loss & history. A story of resilience, devotion & a bond that never wavered.

Wantha Bangs Davis, a pioneering female jockey from Liberal, Kansas, raced over 1,000 times between the 1930s and 1950s, often beating male

Uncovering the hidden history of the Quindaro Ruins, a significant stop on the Underground Railroad in Kansas City, Kansas.

Uncovering the history of the abandoned Security Benefit Association Cemetery on Topeka's Menninger Hill

Learn the incredible story of two Kansas nurses taken as prisoners of war during World War II. A tale of heroism and perseverance.

Historic Lake Scott State Park in Kansas, a western oasis where history, outdoor adventure, and tranquility come together.

Wild mustangs from the Western United States, find a new home in the Flint Hills of Kansas.