Amazing food and little known history in Southeast Kansas
When people think of Kansas, they often overlook its deep history and rich cultural roots. However, Southeast Kansas can pleasantly surprise you. From coal mining towns to Route 66 stops, this area is filled with stories you might not expect. I recently explored Pittsburg and nearby communities, and what stood out was how history is still very much alive in many of the places you can visit today.
For over 140 years, the small town of Frontenac, Kansas had almost everything its 3,000 residents needed – except a public library. All that changed when the city administrator got an unexpected phone call in 2019.
I had heard of many of these places and even had them pinned on my Kansas Map, but getting to experience them in person was so much better!
Southeast Kansas has a way of surprising you and this corner of the state turned out to be one of the most fun weekend getaways we’ve had. There’s real history here, genuinely good food, and some weird and wonderful attractions.
Rich soil and wine making traditions of immigrants positioned Eastern Kansas to rival California’s Wine Country. 67 years of Kansas Prohibition changed that.
Originally posted January 3, 2017 To celebrate National Spaghetti Day on January 4, we took a visit to Pallucca’s Meat Market and Deli. We interviewed owner, Ethan Edwards, about the history of the deli and the popularity of the pasta recipes that have been around for years. Pallucca’s Meat Market […]
Located on the Frontier Military Historic Byway, Frontenac, Kansas is renowned for its rich coal-mining history and vibrant community spirit, making it one of my top small-town destinations in the Southeastern region.
Sitting down to a plate of crispy fried chicken is a Kansas tradition, especially in the southeast corner of the state, dating back to the early 1900s. Add a slice of pie for dessert, and you have the makings for a stick-to-your-ribs meal, which was exactly what hardworking coal miners needed to sustain themselves through a 12-hour day, six days a week many years ago.
November 9 marks a somber anniversary in Southeast Kansas. In 1888, 44 men, ages 13-to-45, were killed in Frontenac in the state’s largest mine disaster. 10 nationalities were represented in the deaths: America, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, and Scotland.
I got to preview the immersive museum that features rooms designed to bring Frontenac’s mining, entrepreneurship, and religious past to life while honoring its Southeast Kansas roots.
You must be logged in to post a comment.