The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1870-07-29

The twenty mile strip of Usage land,
SO well known in this part of the State, /
commences about four miles south of
Eureka. The northern part of this strip |
is high, rolling prairie, and is generally |
well adapted to cultivation; at least the |
soil and general appearance of the land
so indicates, and are sufficiently good to
have induced large number of settlers |
in the last few months to improve it.
We crossed North Otter thirteen miles |
from Eureka, and South Otter three and |
half miles beyond, and Elk river at |
Billiards. crossing, four miles further
on. On these streams there is consid- |
cradle quantity of fine bottom land,
while the uplands are good.
The Flint Hills, extending through
several counties, begin about four miles |
from the crossing. They were plainly
seen for many miles before reaching
them, and to traveller, distance did not
lend enchantment to the view, for their
summit seemed almost inaccessible, but
as we drew near them the anticipated
troubles were far from being realized.
We reached the top of them by grad
ual ascent, and but one point was diff
cult to ascend, which can easily be avoid
ed. We went up on the divide between
Elk and Clear creeks, a distance of about
three miles from the base.
Near the crossing of Elk, in the corner
of Howard county, new town has been
laid out, called Union Center Elk river
is a good stream, with some fine farms
of bottom land.
The Flint Hills and country on top is
much better than l had supposed. A
considerable quantity of it is tillable,
though it is generally rolling and some
what rocky. We reached water in about
two miles-the head waters of Grouse
creek, which we followed down four
miles to the crossing. Before reaching
there we saw seven deer on the prairie,
the nrst we had seen.
From the time we left the crossing,
the bottoms of Grouse became wider
and the timber heavier, and before we
reached the mouth of Cedar creek, ten
miles south of the crossing, the bottoms
were splendid, being generally from a
mile to mile and a half wide, and from
the crossing to the mouth of Grouse one
is hardly out of sight of houses. Grouse
creek is one of the finest streams in the
country. The soil is very superior, and
the timber is very abundant, so much so
that many claims have from so to 100
acres of heavy timber, and the water in
it is supplied from springs, and it never
goes dry. We were told by those who
have travelled over that country for
years, that in some very dry seasons,
when the Walnut was dry, there was a
plenty of water in Grouse. 1t affords
much more water than the Neosho at
Emporia, and especially so in the sum-
mer season.
Dexteri Yes, that's the point we
particularly desired to see, and a lovely
spot it is. On the west of it is Grouse
creek, skirted with fine body of timber.
AT the northwest corner Plum creek
empties into the Grouse, and still further
west, four miles, is fine stream, called
Silver or Wolf creek. On the east of
town is high and beautiful elevation,
overlooking a rich and fertile valley.
Two miles further west is Crab creek,
and three miles west of that is Beaver
creek, while two miles north is Turkey
creek, and in the eastern portion of the
county is Cana. The town site is all
that could be desired. There is not a
break in it. except a spring branch run
nj hp ho al
ton named. On the east of it are not
less than ten fine springs. one of which
would supply water to all of Emporia,
and is so situated that water can be con-
Quoted in pipes over the whole place,
and would, in most parts, reach the Sec
ond story of buildings. I had the
pleasure of eating a fine mess of fish,
caught in the spring branch.
Dexter, geographically, is about in the
center of Cowley county, and from its
natural and superior advantages, must
make very fourishing place, and it is
believed that at no distant day it will be
the county seat. The thriving and
pleasant towns of Arkansas City and
Winfield being situated almost on the
extreme western portion of the county,
cannot reasonably expect to have or
hold the county seat, but to them we
send friendly greeting, and shall be
glad to notice their prosperity.
1t is said that every town in Kansas
expects at least two railroads. In this
respect, Dexter is not behind others.
Already two roads from the east are
proposed to be built through that tier
of counties, making Dexter a point.
One thing is certain, and that is, no road
can be built in that direction through
the county that will not reach Dexter,
as by this place is the only practicable
route west.
As to the prospects of the place, they
are all that could be desired. Mr..
Beckes, of this county, will take his
| saw mill there next week, and fine
water power Touring mill viii soon be
built on or adjacent to the town. AL
ready Messrs. Tyler s. Evans have taken
a fine stock of groceries there, while
large number of residences and bust
ness houses will soon be erected. And
we understand lots will be given to all
who build. A Sunday school has been
organized, and through Rev. Overstree5
of Emporia, a library has been bought.
A new post route has Just been estab-
lished, and q tri-weekly stage viii run
there from Eureka. As to the country
| in general, it would be difficult to say
too much. Fine, rich lands are album
dant, and from what has already been
| said, It nnst be apparent that i. Is we'll