De Soto Kansas Historical Society

06/15/2026

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06/15/2026

Historical Society building will be closed this Thursday,
June 18th!

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06/04/2026

The Battle of Franklin was fought almost immediately after the Battle of Black Jack in 1856. Franklin had become a strategic stronghold for pro-slavery forces due to its location near the Missouri border. Two groups of freestaters made plans to attack Franklin and recapture stolen property, including a cannon and ammunition. The freestaters were unable to retrieve the stolen cannon, but they successfully made away with Sharpe’s rifles and a large quantity of ammunition. They were, however, able to recapture the cannon at the second Battle of Franklin on August 12, 1856. This photo can be seen at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/90323

06/04/2026

We have been asked several times about our videos of the Humanities Kansas guest speakers and if they can have copies.
If you want a copy of the presentation you can bring me a flash drive and I will download for you.

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05/17/2026

05/17/2026

Very interesting presentation.........public welcome!!

05/17/2026

Look what we finally found close enough to get a picture of!! It is a loon and he/she has been swimming at Lexington Lake but yesterday I found it near shore to get a picture of it!! Beautiful bird........says they are usually way north of here.

05/17/2026

Shout out and huge "Thank You" to Dana Twidwell for helping clean up all the ancient stones in the De Soto Cemetery!!! She has been quietly cleaning up stones and we want you to notice them as you enter first entrance all the beautiful white stones now!!