Pottawatomie County, much like Shawnee County, experienced significant repercussions from the westward expansion, as migrants journeyed to California and Oregon in pursuit of new opportunities. This migration resulted in the displacement of indigenous tribes from their traditional lands situated east of the Mississippi River. The Potawatomi were among the indigenous groups affected by the Treaty of Chicago in 1833, leading to their mandatory displacement from their ancestral lands. Eventually, after several relocations which took a physical and mental toll on the tribe, they settled in Kansas. A subsequent treaty signed in 1861 further divided the tribe into the Citizen Band and the Prairie Band. The earliest constructed building in Pottawatomie County was a Mission located in St. Marys along the well-traveled Oregon Trail route. This route later served as the Military Road between Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley.
The Mission was founded in 1847 by a Jesuit priest with the intention of assisting the Potawatomi people. Unlike the mission in Shawnee County, this endeavor operated on a voluntary basis, focusing on preserving the children's indigenous language while also imparting knowledge of English and French. The structure is located just outside the vicinity of St. Marys College, accompanied by a museum consisting of two contemporary buildings within the same area. This is in close proximity to the Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station, historically utilized for the allocation of payments to Native American individuals who were relocated from their communities in the Great Lakes region.
Prior to the establishment of Fort Riley in 1853, the sole U.S. Army presence in the vicinity was located at Fort Kearny in Nebraska, just to the south of the Platte River, a route frequented by numerous emigrants. The significant influx of traffic passed through Pottawatomie County, crossing over the Vermilion River and Rock Creek, and then headed northward through Westmoreland. This was established as the county seat in 1882, which played a pivotal role in the county's development. Louis Vieux, one of the individuals responsible for guiding pioneers across the Vermillion River, also made substantial contributions to shaping the present-day Pottawatomie County.
Louis Vieux, a man of mixed French and Potawatomi descent, was born on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1810. His father, a French fur trader, and his Potawatomi mother established a livelihood by founding several trading posts in the vicinity of what would later become the state of Wisconsin. He resided in the Potawatomi territory, engaging in fur trading akin to his father. In 1837, the U. S. government relocated him with what remained of the tribe, including his spouse and children, initially to Iowa, and later, in 1846, to Kansas.
In Kansas, Louis worked several jobs to support his expanding family. His notable contribution, the Red Vermillion Crossing, situated at the Vermillion River East of Louisville, is a testament to his legacy. Charles "Chas" Dean who also had a mix of French and Potawatomi heritage, established the toll bridge in 1853, simultaneously operated a retail business that offered a wide range of products, including hay, grains, and services for the care of horses. Charles would find himself on the wrong side of the law when he was caught twice selling alcohol to members of the Potawatomi tribe. Louis Vieux assumed control of the toll bridge previously managed by Dean, and it now represents a notable accomplishment attributed to his name. At the pinnacle of his career, Louis had the capacity to generate up to three hundred dollars per day, consequently enabling him to diversify his investments. This included the acquisition of farmland, ownership of 2 grist mills, and substantial land holdings in both Belvue and Louisville.
The marker, installed in 2015, is of the metal variety and was generously provided by the City of St. Marys, Citizen Potawatomi Tribe, the Don Combs Memorial, and the Rock Creek Historical Society.
Louis was a prominent figure in Pottawatomie County, contributing significantly to the facilitation of commerce during the 1850s and 1860s. His influential impact endured until his passing in 1872. He served as one of the tribal elders tasked with traveling to Washington D.C. to present the case of the Potawatomi tribe. Allowing the tribe to continue receiving aid from the government and the city of Louisville, which was named after him. The city served as the county seat from 1861 to 1882. Close to the toll bridge and the Vieux family homestead lies the Vieux Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for Louis and twenty-nine other family members and friends. Adjacent to this cemetery is another burial ground used during a cholera outbreak in the spring of 1849. While only two markers remain at this site, it is believed that approximately 40-50 individuals were interred there.
On the western banks across the river lie additional casualties of untimely demise. Among them, seven unknown soldiers who perished while traversing the Military Road, while the other victim was a 300-year-old oak tree, renowned as the largest in America. In 1998, the tree suffered damage from both lightning strikes and acts of vandalism. In response, Pottawatomie County authorities implemented the installation of barriers and an awning for protection. However, in 2011, the remaining stump was intentionally set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of the overhead shelter.
The creation of the marker was facilitated in 2015 through collaboration with Westar Energy, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the Don Combs Meomrial, and the Rock Creek Historical Society.
The route of the Military Road followed what is currently Route 24, running alongside the Kansas River on the left until reaching the initial stop in Pottawatomie County at St. Marys. This location housed the Mission and, subsequently, the Pay Station. Travelers would of have had to traverse Bourbonnais Creek, which is under the ownership of Peter Bourbonnais, situated two miles to the east of St. Marys, at the location of his toll bridge. The commemorative plaque is positioned at the juncture of US 24 and Grand Avenue, directly opposite St. Mary's Academy. The area also features a historical marker that delves deeper into the history of the mission, which eventually transformed into the present-day college and lends its name to the town.
The Oregon Trail Overlook Park is located 9 miles away from St. Marys and northeast of Belvue. It was an ideal location for an overnight stay, providing elevated terrain that offers clear visibility to anticipate and detect any potential threats. This marker, also made of metal, references the area known as "Hill Road," possibly due to its elevated position from the road to the North. This elevation likely provided temporary relief from the wetter conditions near the Kansas River and its tributaries.
In 2017, this marker was installed through the collaborative efforts of Pottawatomie County, the Rock Creek Historical Society, the Don Combs Memorial, and the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation.
Further up the trail, there is a minor crossing at Lost Creek. Four miles to the west lies the Vermillion River, where Louis Vieux's homestead, the toll bridge he operated, and ultimately his final resting place are located. Upon crossing the river, the subsequent site is located on the left, showcasing the remnants of the Vieux Elm site. This site not only features a marker for the Military Road but also provides a view of the crossing, the road, and the graves of seven unidentified soldiers.
The two trails soon diverge, each following its separate route. The Military Road will continue westward toward Louisville, while the Oregon Trail veers northwestward in the direction of Westmoreland. The next marker is situated on Cannonball Road, where Rock Creek deviates south of Louisville and necessitates crossing over the creek, replicating the route used by travelers during the road's peak period. The creek's rocky bottom was utilized to facilitate fording just downstream from a stone mill dam. This mill, along with the crossing, was under the ownership of Robert Wilson, a co-founder of the town. Additionally, Wilson operated a tavern/hotel, which served as a convenient lodging option for travelers.
The subsequent marker is located a 20-minute drive from the previous one, situated at the intersection of School and Flush Road in St. George, at the northern part of the intersection.
This marker was erected in 2015 with the assistance of the Schwinn Family, Citizen Band of Potowatomi Nation, the Don Combs Memorial, and the Rock Creek Valley Historical Society.
At this juncture, there is a minor divergence in the road. Blackjack Spring, coursing through St. George, served as a vital water source. Consequently, numerous travelers would veer in that direction to replenish their horses and procure potable water. In 2018, the city of St. George, the Rock Creek Historical Society, the Don Comb Memorial, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation placed a marker at a special location, which includes a water trough. The purpose of this marker is to honor the thirsty emigrants, soldiers, and travelers who utilized this spring.
A Northern route existed, which led travelers north of modern day Lake Elbo before circling back towards Manhattan, passing Lake Elbo to the east and Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake Number 2, a manmade lake that did not exist when the road was originally in use. The road is named Eliza Road, after Eliza Thompson, who met a mysterious death in 1883 at the young age of 20. Her grave is located near the intersection where the marker for the Military Road stands.
The next marker straddles the line between Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. This is where the two sections of the road meet up again after the Southern trail made a detour to St. George to take advance of the natural spring. These excursionists would travel in a northwestern bearing until they reached the ominous named Devil's Elbow Crossing where the Elbo and School Creeks met at a very sharp turn in the road. Army teamsters called it that because it was difficult to maneuver, especially with a bigger team of mules or horses.
The Northern Route would have been a much easier route than the Southern and finally meet back up at the next marker which is four miles or so east of Manhattan. The marker was placed at the entrance of a subdivision which was used as a prime growing place of crops. The small town was known as Blue Township because it being on the bank of the Big Blue River.
The next marker is the now long-gone town of "Juanita" that was situated around the homestead of Samuel Dyer. Samuel Dyer was one of the first settlers in this area with a lot of the early success of the town due to the many business ventures he was involved in. He also first operated the ferry there called Dyer’s Crossing until a more permanent bridge was built--but even that would not last. The bridge was destroyed by ice a year after it was built. This caused people to totally bypass the town and cross at a more favorable point closer to the growing town of Manhattan.
This is one of the earlier markers that were placed in the early 2010’s by Bayer Construction Co., Morris and Bette Jean Garey Werner, Don and Mary Zoller, Vincent and Gordon Borg, and Doug and Pat Tippin.
A special thanks to Michele Johnson at the Wamego Historical Society and Museum. If you want to find out more about Pottawatomie County history, here is the link to their website:
To learn more about Louis Vieux from one of his descendants, here is a link to writings done in 1998 by Susan Campbell, Louis's 3rd great granddaughter:
To see the original documents on Charles "Chas" Dean's case and learn more about him, a link is provided below:
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