Upon departing Leavenworth County, the route proceeds westward until reaching Perry Lake, one of the largest lakes in Kansas. Prior to arriving at the lake, travelers pass through the small town of Winchester. This exemplifies one of the numerous communities that emerged along the route, serving as potential stopover points or sources for procuring supplies from local farmers. Presently, remnants of the route are still visible in the town, with a marker situated just south of Jefferson County North High School on Winchester Street. In 2017, a marker was installed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of American Legion Post #387 with the land being deeded by Lester "Jobe" Lange in collaboration with the Kansas State Historical Society, American War of 1812 Auxiliary, and Daughters of 1812. This marker was dedicated to Ruth Keyes Clark that was 2nd national vice president of the Daughters of 1812. The marker is constructed of the same metal stand commonly found at Eight Mile House. Half of the plaques utilize this stand, while the other type is comprised of a large slab of native rock, typically limestone.
In 2017, a marker was installed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of American Legion Post #387 with the land being deeded by Lester "Jobe" Lange in collaboration with the Kansas State Historical Society, American War of 1812 Auxiliary, and Daughters of 1812. This marker was dedicated to Ruth Keyes Clark that was 2nd national vice president of the Daughters of 1812.
At Perry Lake, there exists a significant water body, supplied by the Delaware River, which provided a suitable location to rest and hydrate horses. The Riddle Ferry, managed by Jefferson Riddle, facilitated the lake crossing, albeit for just a year between 1856 and 1857. Subsequently, a bridge near Valley Falls, situated north of the lake, offered an ideal site for establishing a mill capable of producing flour or cornmeal. At Ozawkie American Legion 225 there is no marker although the Military Road passes through this location.
Prior to the establishment of the Kansas Territory, a group of Mormons led by Brigham Young en route to Utah passed through the southern point of Perry Lake in 1851. Some families opted to settle in the area, which led to the creation of a Mormon Enclave, while some went North to establish their own sect in Iowa. The town would not last because of the turbulent period of Bleeding Kansas many families would move or separate themselves from the church. Following the American Civil War, a mill was constructed at the same location where the Delaware River meets Perry Lake and from then on be known as Thompsonville.
It was erected between 2000 and 2003, with the assistance of the Kansas State Society of Daughters of the American Colonists and is in the northeast corner of the parking lot.
After traversing the various water obstacles of Perry Lake and the Delaware River, the Military Road diverges southward, nearing the Kansas River and the prominent city of Topeka. However, prior to reaching these points, there remains one more watercourse to contend with. Positioned at the present location of the city of Meriden, Rock Creek could be traversed at Cook’s Ford, a crossing also utilized by the Butterfield Overland Despatch Company for the transportation of goods, extending as far as San Francisco.
The next historical marker is located in Meriden, outside Jefferson County West High School in the Northeast parking lot. This marker holds the distinction of being the first along the route to be constructed from a substantial piece of native stone adorned with a bronze plaque.
Thanks to Ardie Grimes of the Jefferson County Historical Society for assistance researching the Jefferson County portion of the trail. If you want to learn more about Jefferson County check at their website at the link below.
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