We headed out of Lexington Missouri today and went first first we went to see the Missouri Madonna of the Trail.
We then went to the National Frontier Trails Museum which covered the numerous trails that went through that city including the Oregon Trail, the California Trail ,the Santa Fe Trail, the Mormon Trail, and Lewis & Clark Trail.
Across rather street was the Bingham-Waggoner Mansion so we toured it too. Originally built in the 1852 with 3 rooms. In the 1890’s 20 rooms were added making to make the house 4600 square feet with 26 rooms. Imagine cleaning that!
We went to the Mahaffie farm house became a stage stop where travelers could rest, eat, change horses etc. This stage stop is the only surviving stage stop but we could only look because the sight was closed.
After much driving in circles we did manage to find a DAR trail marker, Lone Elm Trail.
Lynn writes:
Heading down the long windy road to Council Grove, Kansas, we were to see the legendary brown signage of the historical marker! We were excited to actually find the piece of history waiting for us to admire. In front of us stood a limestone bank barn. It went through many stages of it’s life.
Off we go, back on the road to the historical Cottage House Hotel-Motel. We arrive in Council Grove. As we drove down main street, we stared out our windows like children on Christmas. The store fronts were eager for visitors. Finally we arrive! What a beautiful hotel as we park. Jo Ann runs in to check our reservations, with the car key in her pocket. I decide to open the car door. Yes, bad decision as the car alarm blares through the streets, with no way to turn it off! All I can say is..” and here we sit looking like idiots.”…lol…fast forward to a delicious dinner at the famous Hays House restaurant. We met our tour guide and his lovely wife. After a small time of chatting, I come to realize, they are a fascinating couple! He likes to take on any adventure that crosses his path! With his beautiful wife patiently sitting as he tells his tales. The sun is settling in the west, we decide to take a quick run to see a marker.
After a good walk on the River Walk, we headed back for a good night’s sleep.
