History on the Road to Riley, Kansas (Riley Co. Historical Society)
Farmhouse Restaurant, 212 S. Broadway, Riley, KS
In honor of America250, the Riley County Historical Society & Museum is taking our programming on the road! The first stop on the year-long celebration will spotlight Riley, Kansas. Located about twenty miles northwest of Manhattan, Riley is a lively farm community that hosts a variety of educational agritourism events in the Flint Hills.
Following the Kansas-Nebraska Act, settlement in the area began in 1855, with official platting occurring in 1870. The town has had several names, including Union and Riley Centre (Center), before settling on Riley after the Rock Island Railroad arrived in 1887 to establish a depot. The arrival of the railroad was a much-welcome addition, as beforehand, farmers had to travel to Leonardville to sell their wares.
The Riley County Historical Society & Museum will host a program on the town’s history from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, at The Farmhouse restaurant located at 212 S Broadway St, Riley, KS 66531. The Farmhouse menu will be available for dinner, and attendees are welcome to purchase their own meal.
Local experts Glenna Harrison, Marilyn Johnson, and former Riley County High School history teacher and historian Kevin Larson will serve on a panel to discuss the community. Additional memories from other residents in attendance will be encouraged, and questions are welcome.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but space inside the restaurant is limited.