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

MANAGED BY:

Parks and Recreation Department, City of Overland Park

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)

Safety Considerations

More Site Information

Santa Fe National Historic Trail