Monday, February 13, 2017

Our Past is Present February 13, 2017

February 13, 2017
This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. During the fall and winter of 1871 and 1872, there was a great interest throughout Kansas in the visit of the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia. The purpose for the visit to this section of the country was for a hunting trip. He passed through Junction City on his special train and was received by Governor James Harvey at Topeka. The “Junction City Union” was no exception and in February of 1872, several weeks after the royal guest had departed Kansas, the following observations were printed:
“In the grand buffalo hunt upon the Republican River, where the Russian Prince proved himself a gallant Nimrod (or hunter), the honors really must be awarded to the muscular prowess of the Indian warriors who took part in the chase. It is easy enough, with repeated shots from the rifle to bring down the stoutest buffalo, but to “go through” the animal with an arrow is an exploit which indicates a prodigious strength of arm and chest. This is what the Indians in the party did to the great astonishment of the young Russian. He saw the shafts speed from the bows in their hands, enter at one side of the huge beats and whiz to a distance of several yards out the other side. The physical strength that can achieve such a result, must indeed be extraordinary and the sight undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the royal visitor.”
Remember to take a few minutes or a few hours to visit our Museum at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets in Junction City. We have artifacts donated by citizens of Geary County on display with helpful written narrations for making your visit meaningful. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 until 4. We hope to see YOU at the Museum.

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