Cowtown, USA
For this week’s photo essay, I want to feature some photos of where I’ve been working for the majority of the last month – Wichita, Kansas. Wichita is a lot of things – a metropolis, sister city of Cancun, an urban oasis on the plains, the world capital of aviation, and a cowtown. Yes, I said it, Wichita is a cowtown. But I only mean it in the most endearing way for this city that I have been pleasantly surprised by.
Wichita was founded as a stopping point for cattle drives from Texas on their way to the railroad lines. It was a town founded out of the necessity of moving cows around. A Cowtown.
In fact, the original nickname given to Wichita is ‘Cowtown’. But while other major cities have tried to distance themselves from their cowtown pasts, Wichita fully embraces this title, and nowhere is this more evident than in the outdoor living history museum and cultural center aptly named ‘Cowtown.’
Cowtown presents over 60 historical buildings from mid-late 19th century Wichita, giving visitors a glimpse into life on the prairie. I spent an afternoon after work armed with my camera looking to capture the unique old western feel of Cowtown.
Wichita’s Cowtown in Photos
Prairie homesteader house with a place to tie horses up.
A simpler era of advertising for Smith & Keating, before you could like them on facebook.
I hope this was just a prop at the museum, because I definitely did NOT keep off.
The Cowtown butcher shop isn’t a lively place.
Dusty dirt roads and wood-planked sidewalks characterize Cowtown.
The Cowtown general store – a simpler time when retailers picked everything off the shelf for you.
Cowtown’s only resident today.
The saloon actually still serves drinks to thirsty visitors.
Reward posters, or subtle product placement promotion? (I’m looking at you Wells Fargo)
No cowtown is complete without a good haberdasher.
Of course, modern day Wichita has moved on from its humble cowtown beginnings. Interstate highways, high rise buildings, and massive manufacturing plants have grown out of the fertile Kansas plains. But the city has held onto its past, and places like Cowtown serve as a reminder of another era that is still very much a part of Wichita.
Which Cowtown picture is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.
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30 Responses to Cowtown, USA
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Wonderful photo essay! I love the whole of it and would have a hard time selecting a favorite, each and every one has a special charm. The last one, the composition and the reflections, probably what I would chose if I HAD to decide.
Merisi in Vienna recently posted..Coffee, anyone? See you at Café Hawelka
Thanks Merisi!
I love all the photos! They make me want to go see Cowtown for myself. It’s so cool that Wichita has held onto their history even though it’s not so glamorous. My favorite photo is probably the one of the general store… It looks like it’s from a scene in a movie. And I love the sepia effect in the photos! Nice job!
Thanks Claire! I was actually pretty surprised by Cowtown in that it’s the best historical representation of an old west town that I’ve ever seen.
Love it! Especially love the photo of the cat and the color choice–gives it a real old town feel. Historic ghost towns are so much fun. I’ll have to check this one out the next time I’m in Wichita!
Marissa recently posted..Friday Travel Photo: Ayutthaya Temple Ruins, Thailand
I’m a gratuitous user of sepia tone when i’m photographing historical places…someone should probably stop me as I’m kicking this dead horse
The entire essay is beautiful. The general store reminds me of the one at Shelburne Museum here in Vermont. It’s attached to the Apothecary and Dr’s office…ah, simpler times. That cat, though, I’m imagining it with a holster slung low and he’s keeping the peace. Am also imagining a tumbleweed or two crossed your path in Cowtown.
Ginny T recently posted..Shelburne Museum – Shelburne, VT
Thank you so much! That cat just has so much character, doesn’t he? He fits right in with the whole scene.
Amazing photos John, especially loving the sepia tones (and I think they would have looked amazing in black&white as well – it gives the photos character and dare I say it, mystery). My favorite ones have to be the first and the photo depicting the posters!
Joseph recently posted..Feeling left out of the world
Thanks Joseph. I considered doing B&W as well but I just had to go for the over-the-top sepia given the subject matter here.
This place is bad ass. I love that you used sepia as well (I think?). I love going to Ft. Worth for the very reasons you show here.
Leah Travels recently posted..Dining in the Desert Cities
You’re right! It is sepia. Does Fort Worth have something similar? There is still so much of Texas I have to see!
The haberdasher!
I love saying (and typing) haberdasher so I’m just using this response as an excuse to type haberdasher again. Haberdasher.
WOW! You have some incredible shots. I really enjoyed the pictures but also learned a lot from your post. I had no idea that Wichita was originally nicknamed Cowtown. I’m also a big fan of that huge cat.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Our interview with Adam Richman of Man Versus Food.
Thanks Tawny. Glad it coule be somewhat informative as well.
John, how DO you find these awesome hidden old buildings in every place you ?? I spent 3 months in Wichita MANY years ago with my consulting career. One day the local news was reporting how some cows broke free from some ranch and were crossing the interstate near downtown. The news reporter said: “Can you believe it? Cows in Wichita!” We all busted out laughing. Not sure if the locals got what was funny about it… You have taken me back a LONG time.
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Photo of the Week – A Piece of Architecture
That’s too funny. Do you have any other good Wichita recommendations for me? I just got word that I’ll be headed back there for six weeks or so after this little tour through the Midwest I’m on now.
gorgeous shots, John. makes me miss Texas even though these are pictures of Kansas. my favorite is the reward posters. i’d like to see one that says “WANTED ALIVE – Lola – the most notorious sassy travel blogger around”
lola recently posted..NYC: why the Meatpacking District is so delicious!
There is definitely a Kansas – Texas connection; all those cattle drives from Texas were ending at the railroads in Kansas to ship the beef all across the country.
I love “main street” america and always take the time, when I go to the US to discover a few more. I have a thing for American signs (seriously) and my favourite has to be the trespassing one!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..My favourite photos of the week – #FriFotos – Museums
Wonderful photos! My favorite one is the pic from the general store. There’s something about it that makes me want to go back in time. I can imagine that the owner knew every customer and each visit was a reason to chat about the latest news…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Street Art – Interview with Jürgen Bürgin
Sometimes I wish it were that simple these days…well without the reward posters and whatnot:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
so cool–totally looks like a movie set. love the pic from the general store best!
the lazy travelers recently posted..rocky mountain highs & lows
By using B&W (or perhaps it’s antique) you really gave the Cowtown some true character. Great images. And one of these I must Kansas.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – A Sunset Sail in the Greek Isles
All of these photos are awesome! I, too, love that you used sepia to give them that old time-y feel. I think the Smith & Keating shot is my fave
Francesca recently posted..Hometown travel: Chicago area adventures
Thanks Francesca. It definitely gives it a unique look compared to the rest of my shots.
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