Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

The landmark Marsh Arch Bridge, aka the Rainbow Bridge or Brush Creek Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, celebrated its 100th birthday this week. According to several online sources, including the well-researched Vintage St. Louis and Route 66 page on Facebook, the bridge opened on Dec. 20, 1923 -- about three years before U.S. 66 was … Continue reading Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs marks its 100th anniversary

Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs

A 24-year-old man was in critical condition late Friday after falling from the top of the historic Marsh Arch Bridge, aka Rainbow Bridge, near Baxter Springs, Kansas, earlier that day. KOAM-TV reports the local sheriff said the man suffered traumatic injuries after he fell from the Route 66 bridge to the roadway. The accident occurred … Continue reading Man suffers serious injuries after falling from top of Marsh Arch Bridge near Baxter Springs

Baxter Springs museum holds an exhibit of late local artisan’s Pitt Pets

The Baxter Springs Historical Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas, is holding an exhibit of a deceased local artisan who made unique tiny sculptures from peach pits, called "Pitt Pets." Duane M. Lee, who died at age 65 in 2005, made an estimated 10,000 of his Pitt Pets, according to his son Don, and gave them … Continue reading Baxter Springs museum holds an exhibit of late local artisan’s Pitt Pets

Part of old Route 66 in Kansas nominated to National Register

An old section of Route 66 north of Baxter Springs, Kansas, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by the Kansas Historical Society. It's rare for a nominated property to not win the designation. So the inclusion is almost assured. It was designated part of the Kansas Historic Byway in 2011. A description … Continue reading Part of old Route 66 in Kansas nominated to National Register