Built in 1888, this stone depot was designed by local architect George Washburn and built by the Southern Kansas Railroad, which later sold the depot to the Santa Fe. After seven decades of service, the depot was donated to the Franklin County Historical Society, which uses the building to share the history of Franklin County and the story of railroads in small towns. In addition to hosting several temporary exhibits throughout the year, the museum’s permanent exhibits include an HO-scale model railroad layout; the story of John Brown and the Pottawatomie Massacre; Silkville, the utopian community created to raise silkworms; a Victorian parlor, soda fountain room, general store, one-room school, and exhibits on the exaggerated photograph creator William “Dad” Martin, local industry, and Native and Emigrant Tribes. The museum also offers a one-room school program designed to help students experience school in the early 1900s (schedule a one-room school event by calling the museum). The museum hosts programs and events throughout the year.
Museum Hours: Open all year except major holidays. Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Admission: adults – $5, Seniors – $4 (55 and Older) students, $2; preschoolers and Franklin County Historical Society Members, free. Admission is free the second Sunday of each month for Franklin County residents.