The county seat of Kiowa County, the farming and oil community of Greensburg is located on US 54 and US 183. Greensburg was named for stagecoach owner D.R. "Cannonball" Green, a colorful character who once ejected Carrie Nation from his coach after she snatched a cigar from his mouth and tossed it away. Green’s stage line helped passengers become acquainted with prairie life, and it brought stability and prosperity to the towns it served. The stage was replaced when the Santa Fe Railroad came to town. Greensburg is known for the “Big Well,†the world’s largest hand-dug well, a pioneer engineering wonder that was built in 1888 to supply water for steam locomotives. Best Western Greensburg Kansas.
Things to do in Greensburg
Big Well
Construction of the world’s largest hand-dug well began in August 1887 when the Santa Fe railroad proposed building a well to supply water for steam locomotives. The only tools used to build the well were a shovel, pick, half barrel, pulley, and rope. When construction reached the bottom a harness was used to lower a mule down. A feat of pioneer engineering, the well was 109 feet deep and 32 feet in diameter when it was completed in 1888. The Santa Fe Railroad eventually removed its tracks, but well was used as the city’s water supply for 50 years. Today it is the community’s main attraction, and visitors can walk down a metal stairway into the well. The site also features the World's Largest Pallasite Meteorite in the gift shop. Located at 315 S Sycamore. Call 620-723-2261 for more information.
Cannonball Golf Course
Cannonball Golf Course is located on East Highway 54 at the city limits.
Hunter Drug Store
Built in 1917, Hunter Drug Store features an old fashioned soda fountain where drinks are still hand mixed by a sodajerk. Located at 121 S. Main. Call 620-723-2331 for more information.
Kiowa County Historical Museum
The Kiowa County Historical Museum displays the memorabilia and historical items owned and used by Kiowa Country residents in everyday life. Open weekends during the summer months only. Located at Main Street & Highway 54. Call 620-723-3263 for more information.
Kiowa State Fishing Lake
Kiowa Lake is a 21-acre fishing lake stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy picnicking and primitive camping (no hookups). Call 620-672-0779 for more information.
Pallasite Meteorite
The World’s Largest Pallasite Meteorite is located in Greensburg, at the site of the Big Well. The meteorite is half iron and half stone, and weighs in at 1000 pounds. The largest meteorite of its kind known of to date, it was discovered in 1948 on a farm east of Greensburg. Call 620-723-2261 for more information.
Round Barn
In 1912 German immigrant Henry W. Fromme, hired local carpenter Pat Campbell to build a large round barn. Touted as being more wind resistant and more space and lumber efficient, the estimated construction cost of the round barn was $8,000 - several thousand dollars higher than that of other barns of the time. The barn soon became obsolete when the tractor replaced the horse as the farm’s power source and was later used for hay storage. The barn has been restored to its original exterior condition and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inside features displays relating to U.S. Round Barns, 1912 farm life and machinery, and the builders. Located 3½ miles south and 1¾ miles west of Mullinville, Kansas. Call 620-723-3263 for more information.
Twilight Theatre
Once one of the largest screens in Kansas, the historic Twilight Theatre first showed silent films in 1915. Located at 132 S. Main. Call 620-723-2416 for more information.