Trading Post is near the site of the Marais de Cygne Massacre, which occurred on May 19, 1858. There is a memorial to those killed and wounded in the massacre at the adjacent Trading Post Cemetery. The Marais des Cygnes Massacre was one of the last significant acts of violence in Bleeding Kansas prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War. Proslavery men from Missouri killed five free state men and wounded five others in a ravine near the Marais de Cygne River, 3 miles northeast of Trading Post.

Trading Post was also where Union troops fired on Confederate troops on October 25, 1864 in what become the Battle of Mine Creek several miles farther south. That battle was the only major Civil War battle fought on Kansas soil.

The small museum is packed with items in a manner that reminds me of an out of the way antique shop. I think some people would be through with the museum in a few minutes, while others could spend several hours exploring the corners and discovering items which interested them.

Alice Widner cares for the grounds and the exhibits on behalf of the Trading Post Historical Society and she is a great resource for visitors wanting to learn the history of this part of Bleeding Kansas.

The Trading Post Museum exhibits Indian flint and clothing, early weapons including a Bowie knife, bullets from the Civil War Battle of Mine Creek, and wide variety of early pioneer tools & household goods.

Trading Post Museum is open from April 1 through November 1 from 9:30AM - 4:30PM on Tuesday - Saturday, and 1 to 5PM on Sunday. The museum may be visited at other times by appointment.