Appleton's general guide to the United States and Canada - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 Excerpt: ... run to various parts of the city, and to the suburbs of Wyandotte, Kan., and Westport. Kansas City to Denver via Kansas Div. of Union Pacific R. R. (See advertisement of Union Pacific E. R., following index.) On this route there is one through train daily, which runs from Kansas City to Denver without change in 80 hours. It traverses the central portion of Kansas, linking together the principal cities and towns of the State, and affording the opportunity to view its famous wheat-and corn-fields and immense cattle-ranges. Striking the Kansas (or Kaw) River at Kansas City, the route follows the windings of this beautiful stream for nearly 200 miles amid extremely pleasing scenery, and as it approaches the Rocky Mountains commands some grand views. Leaving Kansas City, the train passes in 38 miles to Lawrence (Ludington House), a beautiful city of 10,000 inhabitants situated on both sides of the Kansas River, which is here spanned by two bridges. It is built on a rolling slope, and is regularly laid out, with wide streets, partly shaded by trees, and many handsome buildings. Massachusetts St., the principal business thoroughfare, is built up for nearly a mile with blocks of brick and stone. The Slate University, a large and handsome structure, stands upon a bluff called Mt. Oread in the S. W. part of the city. The trade of Lawrence is very large, and a substantial dam across the river furnishes water-power for numerous mills and factories. Thirty miles beyond Lawrence the train reaches Topeka (Tefft House, Fifth Ave.), the capital of Kansas, situated on both sides of the Kansas River, which is here spanned by a fine iron bridge. The city contains 15,451 inhabitants, and is remarkably well built. The State House cost $400,000, and is one of the finest in the W...