Ellinwood Community Historical Society will host “Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas” by Le

Ellinwood Community Historical Society in Ellinwood, Kansas will host “Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Leo E. Oliva at their Annual Meeting on March 4 at 7:30 pm at Lone Wolf Restaurant, 111 East 1 st St., Ellinwood, Kansas.

Some claim that Kansas was created specifically to accommodate westward expansion of the railroads. Railroads brought immigrants, created jobs, and fed beef markets in the East. Most Kansas town were founded because of the railroad, and few survived without it. This presentation examines the complicated legacy of railroads in Kansas.

Leo Oliva is a historian with a research focus on 19th century Kansas. He is the author of Soldiers on the Santa Fe Trail, six books for the Kansas Fort Series, and a founding member of the Santa Fe Trail Association and Fort Larned Old Guard. “Railroads are the key to understanding the development of Kansas,” said Oliva. “Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas. A 6:00 pm catered meal at Lone Wolf Restaurant will precede the program. Cost of the meal is $15.00.

Reservations are being taken until February 20, by calling Sharla Thill at 620-564-2681 or by mailing payment to Ellinwood Community Historical Society, P.O. Box 111, Ellinwood, Kansas 67626.