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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