Charlie's Ruts - Deerfield, Kansas Driving between Lakin and Deerfield, Kansas, you will see a sign pointing out a historic marker in the north side of U.S. Highway 50/400. Pulling off, you will find an attraction named Charlie's Ruts, which is maintained by the Kearny County Museum. In addition to 12 parallel sets of Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts, there is a 1987 Kansas Historical Society marker, metal art depicting a wagon on the trail, and a mail box with guest register. 5 of the swales are the most prominent and the parallel ruts are considered to be proof that the wagons were driven several abreast rather than a long narrow row. The mail box is treated much like a geocache and people have left souvenir trinkets which you may take with you, or you may choose to leave some for other travelers. The ruts are fenced off, but there is a gate and visitors are encouraged to explorer the swales created by 19th Century wagons. These swales are also known as Bentrup's Ruts and received their names from Charlie Bentrup who owned the property over 100 years ago and recognized the significance of the ruts. He preserved them and his son Paul continued to maintain this attraction until his death in 1905.
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copyright 2024 by Keith Stokes |
