Last updated: January 24, 2023
Place
Sapling Grove, Overland Park
Quick Facts
Location:
8210 Grant Avenue (at 83rd Street) in Overland Park, Kansas
Significance:
Since the late 1820s, Sapling Grove, located on the headwaters of Turkey Creek, was a significant campsite on the Santa Fe Trail.
Designation:
Certified site
Since the late 1820s, Sapling Grove, located on the headwaters of Turkey Creek, was a significant campsite on the Santa Fe Trail. George Sibley, an Indian agent who was commissioned to survey the trail in 1825-27, included Sapling Grove on his list of campsites. Sapling Grove was the rendezvous point for the Bidwell-Bartleson group, the first caravan of families to head west on the trail in 1841. Overnight travelers camped on the hill where Comanche Elementary School now stands. This 21-acre park was known in recent years as Comanche Park. In 2003, however, the city renamed the park after a local teenager petitioned for a name change to honor the Sapling Grove campground.
Site Information
Location (8210 Grant Avenue (at 83rd Street) in Overland Park, Kansas)