One half mile due west of the location stood Buffalo Springs Trading Post, Ranch, and Stagecoach stand. This sketch of the ranch was made by Adolph Hunnius. A surveyor, in 1876. Buffalo Springs was a well - used stop for drovers and herds along this western trail variant. it was from this location that the ill - fated Hennessey Party departed on July 4, 1874. Headed south along the Ft. Sill - Arkansas City wagon road despite warning of Indian hostilities in the area. A few miles south, the Party was attacked and killed.
(Image courtesy of Kansas State Historical Society)
Location
36.2175, -97.8883
Photos
Notes
Buffalo Springs
On the Old Chisholm Trail, 1/3 mi.
west.
From this noted watering place
came the name of "Bison," 1 mi. so.,
"Buffalo Springs" was the camp site of
Pat Hennessey and his men just before
the were massacred, 7 mi. so., July 4,
1874. Next day, a war band of Indians was
stood off by ranchmen at the Springs.
Crowds here made the Oklahoma "Run,"
April 22, 1889.