The Barton County Historical Society will host “Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Leo E. Oliva on Monday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in the Ray Schulz Research Library at the historical village. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Few industries dominated the economy of the nation in the 19th century more than the railroad. Railroads brought immigrant settlers, created jobs, and fed beef markets in the East. They enabled regular mail service and the adoption of standard time. Most Kansas towns were founded because of the railroad, and few survived without it. Yet the advancement of the railroad industry came at a significant cost to the Plains Indians who were forcibly displaced by this westward expansion. This presentation examines the complicated legacy of railroads and the impact on native peoples who called Kansas home.
Leo Oliva is a historian with a research focus on 19th-century Kansas. He is the author of “Soldiers on the Santa Fe Trail,” six books for the Kansas Fort Series, and a founding member of the Santa Fe Trail Association and Fort Larned Old Guard.
“Railroads are the key to understanding the development of Kansas,” said Oliva.
“Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
The Barton County Historical Society is located at 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend, and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends during the winter months.