 | • A dip into Greensburg, KS history In 1887 the construction began on what would become the world’s largest hand dug well, known as The Big Well. The construction is a clear representation of pioneer engineering. Workers included farmers, cowboys, and transients working sun-up to sun-down with shovels, picks, pulleys, and ropes. The stone used on the walls of the well were hauled 12 miles by wagon from the Medicine River with those same wagons hauling away the dirt as they left again. |
When the well was completed in 1888, it was 109 feet deep and 32 feet wide in diameter. The well was used as the main source of water in the city until 1932. Years passed and in 1972 the US Government designated the Big Well as a National Museum which brought more than three million visitors over the course of three decades.
In May of 2007, the town of Greensburg was destroyed by a massive tornado, however the Big Well had very little damage. After years of cleaning and rebuilding, the new Big Well Museum was re-opened in May of 2012. The museum features exhibits and a new spiral staircase for visitors to descend.
What is a unique, historic tour in your area? Tell our Editor at Charmaine@MidwestMeetings.com .
In May of 2007, the town of Greensburg was destroyed by a massive tornado, however the Big Well had very little damage. After years of cleaning and rebuilding, the new Big Well Museum was re-opened in May of 2012. The museum features exhibits and a new spiral staircase for visitors to descend.
What is a unique, historic tour in your area? Tell our Editor at Charmaine@MidwestMeetings.com .
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