Since 1870


A history that goes back to the founding of Kansas and is bound up in the early days of the Civil War.

May 30, 1854

Created territiories of Kansas & Nebraska. Settlers moved to Kansas to declare it a Free State.

June 2, 1856

Battle of Black Jack 3 miles east of Palmyra, first skirmish of the Civil War

February 12, 1858

Charter signed for Baker University and land donated to start it - what would become Baldwin City

Fall 1858

Old Castle was the first stone building of Baker University open for business

January 29, 1861

Kansas becomes a state.

August 21, 1863

Quantrill raids Lawrence and exits just west and south of Baldwin City

1867

First depot built at west end of Elm St. in anticipation of railroad completion.

September 20-24, 1870

Baldwin City finally incorporated

April 5, 1889

Mayor Lucy Sweet Sullivan and all women city council elected

October 5, 1900

Baldwin Telephone Company made the first phone call

1906

Current depot built for passengers, not just freight

February 5, 1907

First Electric Power plant built - still in use at 605 High Street.

September 24, 1911

President William Taft arrived by train, spoke at Baker University, stayed overnight at the Osmon Markham house now the Zeta Chi Fraternity House.

September 21, 1912

Teddy Roosevelt made a "whistle stop" at the Baldwin Depot while on a campaign tour on the train.

Fall 1950

Actress Elizabeth Taylor passed through Baldwin and stopped to eat at Oak Lodge south of junction

October 20-21, 1958

First Maple Leaf Festival held.

October 23, 1996

Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, visits Baldwin for the dedication of Osborn Chapel.