Atchison Things to Do

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The Courthouse is only one of 13 designed by George Washburn for region courthouses that is of stone. It was built in 1896-97 for $85,000 and is 11 feet long and 67 feet wide. It is still an active courthouse today, and inside is like an everyday administrative center-not a lot of ornate interior. It all was renovated in 1960's, but still retained a look of 1920's inside

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This home is available for touring, and the only one with consistent tours. W.W. Hetherington built the home in 1882. He was part of founding Exchange National Bank, an upscale bank and he even went to Europe to loan out money. They owned the home for 80 years, and then it sold a few times before Cloud & Evah Cray, rich people, bought it in 1978. They wanted only the antiques inside. In 1992, the Historical Society got the home as a gift.
It is 25 rooms, and a lot of Victorian display inside. The home has two towers of 3 stories that replicated what Hetherington's saw in Scotland trips and wanted the same style. A carriage house in the rear is renovated and also is a gift shop. The tour lasts about 1 1/2 hours and very informative.
Open May-October and Mon-St 10-4 and Sunday 10-4 Admittance is $5.

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This home is very ornate inside and the wood decor is immensely elaborate because the owner of the home also owned a wood and lumber company. Throughout there are parquet floors and large bannister stair railings. In addition, many stained glass windows are featured in the atrium. Furnishings are intact from the last resident of the Howell family that built the home in 1885. They gave the home to the Art District/Historical Society in 1962.

Only open on Wednesdays from 10-5, and Saturdays 1-5. Inside today is a gallery of art pieces by a local artist, Cher Ulrich (pricey). Entry is free but donations accepted.

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There are so many fine homes along the driving route, and it is worth stopping at each for a picture and to read of the history for them. There is a number system with a brief description of each home history. Plan a route and follow the streets.
McInteer home-became wealthy in 1870-80's from making harnesses for wagons. Home circa 1890
Harwi house-hardware merchant to supply wagon trains-home 1882-for sale $70,000 now
R.A. Park home-Col Osborn-1880's and got wealth from building railroad lines and operated some
Drury-Pennell-completed in 1894 after 30 years of other owners-five fireplaces and elegant interiors
B.P. WAggoner-build home in 1885 and was politician and railroad attorney to negotiate deals

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Benedictine Nuns founded this area for a retreat in 1863, and it grew since. This was a real treat to be taken through the halls of the old buildings, and the Benedictine nuns proudly show off the magnificence of them. Maybe not all people are able to get a personal guided tour, but hopefully you could. It was informative and interesting.
The chapel and monastery were built in 1900, and the St. Cecilia Hall became part of the complex in 1877. The history of Cecilia is one of John Price building a huge mansion and the intent was to offer it in a lottery. Price was a lawyer/politician and con man. He kept the funds from the lottery and never completed the mansion. He went to prison, and the nuns got the place for $20,000. They had to tear down 2/3 of the place because upkeep was too much.
There are now 160 nuns on the premises, and during their life career, most go out to teach the religion in schools or missionary treks.

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This church has had a history since 1900. The exterior of of limestone, and the interior was renovated many times and upgraded. The pews are from 1940, and hand carved for decorative style. Benedictine nuns use this as the place of daily prayers

The map helps in taking the driving tour so you can take pics of the magnificent homes.
The town was used as rendevous point for the French in 1700's. In 1854 pro slavery Senator, David Atchison founded the town and in 1860 the railroad came through, and about this time Benedictine monks started the Abbey and college.

The magnificent homes from mostly late 1800's/early 1900's are the sites to spend time here. They have around 20 preserved homes and structures.

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This little stream of water is not much to look at, but is more of interest for its place in history. It was here that the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped on the night of July 4, 1804, and celebrated the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, signaling the American colonists' break from Britain. The name of this creek: July 4, 1804 Creek.