Historic Map - Topeka, KS - 1869

View of Topeka, Shawnee County, K.S., 1869 / drawn & published by A. Ruger.

This bird’s-eye view print of Topeka, Kansas was drawn and published by Albert Ruger, Chicago Lith. in 1869. Topeka was settled as a free-state town in the 1850's at the location of a ferry boat crossing of the Kansas River. The town was named county seat of Shawnee County when it was organized in 1855.

When Kansas earned statehood in 1861 Topeka was named state capital. In the years surrounding the American Civil War many slaves used Topeka as a stepping stone in their escape from the south. A fort was built to defend the town from Confederate attacks.

In the years following the war much growth occurred in Topeka. Mills and foundries were established. Washburn University was founded as Washburn College in 1865. The next year, citizens of Topeka saw the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, then known as Kansas Pacific. The line would later continue to Denver.

In the late 1860's a railroad line from St. Joseph and Topeka began building westward, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was organized. The railroad held important car and locomotive shops at Topeka. At this point, many new settlers arrived by either steamboat or rail. Topeka was emerging as an agricultural center with interests in education and the business of the region.

The illustration shows labeled roads, buildings, bridges, waterways and railroad routes. Inset illustrations feature the Kansas State Capitol and the Court House.

Features references to the following locations:

• Capitol.
• Court House.
• Public School.
• Episcopal Female Seminary.
• Washburn College.
• U. P. R. W. Depot.
• N. P. R. W. Depot.
• Catholic Church.
• Congregational Church.
• Episcopal Church.
• Lutheran Church.
• Methodist Church.
• Presbyterian Church.