Salt Creek Valley

Clara

Salt Creek Valley is historic ground in Leavenworth County. Located just a few miles northwest of Leavenworth in Kickapoo Township. The Salt Creek Valley once was home to the Isaac Cody family, Maj. M.P. Rively’s Indian trading post, State Sen. Jesse Connell and a long list of residents who shaped the early history of the area. 
It was here the first squatter’s meeting in the Kansas Territory took place and where wagon trains heading west assembled. It was an area through which trappers, traders, land seekers, soldiers, guides, gold prospectors, gamblers, farmers, respectable folk, lawless adventurers and vagabonds made their way westward across the plains seeking new opportunities.
Those who remained in the valley witnessed the turmoil of Bleeding Kansas days, the building of railroads and the planting of orchards, vineyards and farm crops while enduring droughts, blizzards, tornadoes and grasshopper plagues. 
Today, farmers continue to till the soil in the Salt Creek Valley, some of whom are descendants of those early settlers. 
Hiram Rich is associated with the early history of the valley. In 1857, after serving as Fort Leavenworth sutler and postmaster, he purchased the land on which the Rively Trading Post and Tavern stood. 
Now, almost 150 years later, his great-great-granddaughter, Clara Flint VanderStaay (LHS Class of 1952), will review the history of the famed Salt Creek Valley in a presentation at the Carroll Mansion Museum, 1128 Fifth Ave., at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 20. 
She is a descendant of the first permanent family in the state of Kansas. Born and raised on a farm in the Salt Creek Valley, VanderStaay has discovered, through her family genealogy research, her roots in Leavenworth County dating back to 1841. Her interest in public speaking began when she entered a 4-H public speaking contest at the age of 16. She won first place and claims she’s been talking ever since. She has been married for 62 years to Eugene VanderStaay (IMAC Class of 1951) and resides in Leavenworth. 
This event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Refreshments will be served. The Carroll Mansion is the home of the Leavenworth County Historical Society, which has served the county for more than 60 years. For more information, call 682-7759 or email leavenworthhistory@kc.twcbc.com 
Mary Ann Brown | Leavenworth County Historical Society