Our Past Is Present March 9, 2018

March 9, 2018

This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. 

Try to imagine this is March of 1878.  There are no cars, streets are not paved and horses were the primary means of transportation.  Now imagine you are standing near the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets in Junction City and this happens….

            There was a fatal stampede of a two horse team belonging to E.W. Biggs of Junction City in March of 1878.  The team was tied to a post at the back of the residence of J.C. Smith near Centennial Hall, which was located on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets.  It was said the horses were frightened at the bolting of another horse that had broken loose and was dragging the post to which it had been tied.  The team snapped their halters and ran through the alley to Fifth Street and took the road toward the ferry on the Smokey Hill River.  When they arrived at the river, the animals stopped, but the slippery bank and the speed of the wagon caused them to be forced  into the water.  The water was probably 15 to 20 feet deep.  The horses were immediately drowned.  The wagon bed floated and was soon recovered by men working at the bridge near the mill.  Later in the day the bodies of the horses were seen as they rose to the surface of the water and were recovered.  The horses were probably worth $200.00 and were a great loss to Mr. Biggs, their owner. 

            A comparison today which might be similar would be if a person’s car is left unattended and for some reason rolls into the river or lake.  It may be the owner’s only form of transportation, which would also be a great loss.

            Well … that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.