November 13, 2011

Galva is north of Wichita, along the route of the old Santa Fe Trail. From the Galva Historical Association:

Galva is the successor of the town of Empire which was located a couple of miles southeast of the current site of Galva. As early as 1823, the junction of the Santa Fe Trail and the California Road served as a regular stop for the wagon trains and travelers heading west. In 1855, Charles Fuller built a "ranch" just west of Turkey Creek which was the first white settlement in the county.

In 1875 Joseph J. Colby constructed the first permanent residence which was the beginning of Empire. Any hope for a prosperous future for Empire was shattered when a branch of the AT&SF railroad was completed September 23, 1879, passing north of Empire through the present site of Galva

Kansas

Riding north along an empty county road.

Likely Galva prospered with the railroad, but there's not much going on these days. The town never really recovered from the large fire of 1930.

Lindsborg is about thirty miles north. It was settled by Swedish immigrants in the late 1860s, so never had the boom/bust cycle of the other towns that were entirely dependent on the coming (and going) of the railroad. Lindsborg still has a strong Swedish flavor.

The old roller mill is still here along the Smokey River. Mills of this type were once fairly common along the rivers, but you'll not find many left.

Lindsborg, Kansas.

I've eaten at the Swedish Crown restaurant before. It's recommended.

A Swedish Potato Sausage sandwich followed by Lingonberry bread pudding (Lingonberry seems to be a staple topping around here. Whipped cream is probably a Kansas addition). Both, outstanding.