Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-09-05
Over the Sunfiower from Fort 9oott
to Wichita.
To the Editor Of the Daily Eagle:

To the Editor Of the Daily Eagle:
Much has been written about the
scenery along the Leigh Valley rail-
road, and in truth 1t is picturesque
and grand, but for more beautiful
picture is presented to the traveller in
q trip over the st. Louis, Fort Scott &
Wichita railroad, "Sunfower Route"
between Fort Scott and Wichita. For
q distance of several miles out from
Fort Scott, the route lies along q
bright stream fringed with q dense
growth of oak. elm and walnut timber
which is apt to leave the impression
that yeu are entering wooded coun-
try; this Illusion, however, is soon dis
PEELED as the train energies from the
thicket and spins out into the open
prairie. The iron horse goes merily
prancing over the smooth track, aud
climbs to the summit of beautiful
sunny slope overlooking the bright
little stream, winding its way
like silver thread down between vast
stretches of lnxuriant corn ranging in
hight from ten to fifteen feet, until it
is lost in the waters of the. Big Neo-
sho. The road on both sides is hedged
in by the ever-present sun-fower
which lifts its yellow head in many
places half the height of the telegraph
poles, always suggesting the propriety
of the popular name "Sun-fower
route" Looking across the valley to
the high rolling prairie beyond, as far
as the eye can reach, may be seen
large herds of cattle lazily cropping
the rich grasses; broad acres of luxur-
lent waving corn; bright painted farm
houses Nesting in the midst Of great
orchards Of peaches, apples and grapes
all combinding to form picture of
rural granduer deligh tful to contem-
plate.
There are q number of growing
towns along the route, chief among
which are lola, the county seat Of Al
len county, situated in the great Neo-
sho valley. 1t contains about 1000 in
habitants and is growing rapidly.
Yates Center, the county seat Of
Woodson county, with population
of l 600, is also booming into promi-
nence. Next comes Toronto, Il
child of the Sun-fower road, situated
in the rich valley of the Virdigris
1t contains about 500 people and is
fast looming into prominence as a
commercial point. Next we reach
Eureka, the handsome and thrifty seat
of justice of Greenwood county, stu
| ated on Fall river at the intersection
of the "Sunflower" with the Howard
branch of the Santa Fee. This little
city contains about $500 people, has a
fine stone court house, an elegant
school house of white limestone that
cost So, 900. There is a splendid hotel
and number of fine blocks of stone
and brick, also three excellent Touring
mills. The train stops for supper at a
little place called Reece. Soon after
leaving Reece the long regular outline
of the flint hills is seen looming up
against the western horizon present
ing a truly picturesque scene in the
blazing rays of the setting sun. Up
this little chain of mountains the train
climbs by succession of steep grades
and winding curves. From the sum-
nit the traveller gets magnificent
view of the country for miles away and
fairer landscape is rarely met---the
beautiful undulsting prairies the rich
pasture lands alive with fine herds of
cattle, sheep and horses-the bright,
cheerful looking farm houses, in the
midst of fine orchards laden with gol-
den fruit; the rich alluvial valleys
stretching away down along the no.
BILE rivers; the Neosho, the Verdigris,
Fall River, the Little Walnut and the
Great Arkansas. 1t is land for
strangers to admire and its inhabi-
tants to feel proud of. The road for
many miles OH either side of the Flint
Hills is in fine condition; ballasted
with broken rock. Not a speck of
dust rises from such road bed; this
with fresh breeze and animating
scenery, renders the journey very
enjoyable. The first important town
west of the Flint Hills is ElDorado,
the county seat of Butler county, sit
uated on the Walnut at the junction
of the Sunfower with the Florence
and Douglass branch of the Santa Fe.
1t has population of about $500 and
is among the most fourishing towns
in the state. Now the shades of night
began to shut out the view and we
saw 10 more until the shrill whistle
of the engine gave notice that we
were approaching Wichita; soon the
myriad lights of the great city Of the
valley blaze out before us and we find
ourselves home again. RAMBLER.