Experience the past come to life
Travel through time and witness the
wonderful history, heritage and legacy
of Oswego, Kansas unfold before your eyes.
About Us
Visit our new remodeled location at 805 Barker Drive, Oswego, Kansas.
Be sure to stop by and visit all the great history, legacy, artwork and artifacts we have at the museum.
Oswego, Kansas Heritage
John a Matthews founder of little town now Oswego was falsely accused of instigating a pro-slavery raid on Humboldt, September 8, 1861. The sixth Kansas Calvary under Colonel J. G. Blunt organized an expedition to the Little Town Trading Post. They then located Matthews at Chetopa and killed him. Then they surrounded the Chetopa settlement and arrested Dr. George Lisle, the founder, Larkin McGee,Gen. Ewers, John McMurtry, James Boles, Sam Steele and Tom White herded them all to Little Town and tried them by court marshall. They were all acquitted and returned to Chetopa the following day after the soldiers plundered and burned the Little Town settlement. Pictured here left to right W. A. Johnson (Garnett), Defense Counsel; Colonel J.G. Blunt, Judge; Dr. George Lisle, prisoner; Preston B. Plumb (Emporia), Prosecutor; Lieutenant Chas Brook, clerk and two unknown soldiers. This was the first session of court ever held by white men south of Fort Scott and its precedent caused Governor Crawford to designate Little Town (Oswego) as the county seat in 1867.
Sketched by Mavis Sramek
The Village of Little White Hair
The painting, depicting the time of circa 1841, is a study of Oswego's multi-cultural roots, the Osage Indian Culture and the bond of co-operation and interdependence with white society which is represented by the trader, John Mathews, who is in the left foreground.
The treaty in 1825 brought Chief White Hair and a band of Osage Indians from Missouri, who settled just east of the bluff near Horseshoe Lake. The reservation covered an area fifty miles wide and extended west across two-thirds of the present state of Kansas.
They constructed homes by using rows of saplings set in the ground, bent towards the center and laced together at the top and covered with woven mats of coarse grass and cat-tails of the same variety that grow, even yet, on the banks of Horseshoe Lake.
Always their single door opened to the east and upon arising it was a ritual to stand beside it and chant to grandfather, the Sun. However, the Chief's dwelling had two doors, both east and west, and if peace prevailed, he stood outside the east door, but should war be the order of the day, he stood outside the west door to chant.
The painting has incorporated other aspects of everyday life of the Osage, including the drying of meats, tanning of skins and the small patches of corn and squash growing about.
As part of the treaty, the government provided a blacksmith to serve the Osage.
John Mathews came to serve in thar capacity about 1841 receiving a license for fur trader in 1847.
Mathews had a great advantage in his relationship with the Osage because his wife, Mary Williams was half Welch and half Osage. Upon her death, he married her sister Sarah.
Each wife bore children.
His two-story log house was high upon the bluff, where he built a race track in stables. The home is depicted in the upper left-hand corner of the painting.
Artist Marie Horner
Proud members
Labette County Historical Society
Labette County Historical Society
Labette County Historical Society
The Labette County Historical Society, located in Chetopa, Kansas, is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of Labette County and its surrounding areas. The society operates a museum featuring exhibits that showcase the county’s heritage, including artifacts and photographs from early settlers an
The Labette County Historical Society, located in Chetopa, Kansas, is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting the rich history of Labette County and its surrounding areas. The society operates a museum featuring exhibits that showcase the county’s heritage, including artifacts and photographs from early settlers and Native American tribes. Additionally, the museum houses a research library containing books, newspapers, and other documents pertinent to the region’s history. The society also maintains several historic buildings, such as the Chetopa Depot and the Oswego Jail, and hosts various events and educational programs throughout the year to engage the community and educate the public about Labette County’s heritage.
SEK Museum Alliance
Labette County Historical Society
Labette County Historical Society
The Southeast Kansas Museum Alliance (SEKMA), established in March 2019, is an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting museums across Southeast Kansas. Through collaboration, education, and mutual support, SEKMA works to enhance the visibility and operations of member museums. The alliance offers resources, information, and edu
The Southeast Kansas Museum Alliance (SEKMA), established in March 2019, is an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting museums across Southeast Kansas. Through collaboration, education, and mutual support, SEKMA works to enhance the visibility and operations of member museums. The alliance offers resources, information, and educational programs to its members, aiming to boost tourism and preserve the unique histories of the region. SEKMA also organizes events and projects, such as the Southeast Kansas Museum Alliance Passport, which encourages visitors to explore participating museums.
🌟 Check Out Our Upcoming Workshops! 🌟
Explore your creativity and learn something new at the Oswego Historical Society Museum! From crafting unique Morse code bracelets to coloring sessions, there’s something for everyone. Check out our upcoming workshops and reserve your spot today! 🎨✨