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1842
- John Fremont & Kit Carson camped south of Hastings on an
exploratory mission.
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1864
- Eight men of Simonton and Smith wagon train were massacred and
buried south of Hastings.
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1871
- First home was built in Hastings by Walter Micklen.
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1872
- First railroad, Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, reached
Hastings. Hastings was founded, named for Colonel Thomas D.
Hastings, contractor for the St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad.
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1874
- Hastings became an incorporated community on April 20th.
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1878
- Courthouse was moved from Juniata to Hastings.
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1882
- Hastings College opened for its first classes.
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1888
- Hastings State Hospital was established.
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HISTORICAL POINTS OF INTEREST
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LIBERAL HALL: In 1879 Liberal Hall was the place of the Print Olive
trial. Although the building no longer stands, a marker is placed at
Third St. and St. Joseph Avenue to show where the trial was held.
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OREGON TRAIL MARKER: The Oregon Trail cuts across Highway 281 south
of Hastings. A state marker marks the spot.
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SUSAN
HALE LONE GRAVE: See the marker close to Kensaw (15 minutes from
Hastings in Adams County) of Susan Hale. Only a few graves were
marked along the Oregon & Mormon Trails.
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U. S.
Meat Animal Research Center: (Clay Center) Through research they
develop new technology and better carcasses at less cost. Major
reaearch areas are breeding, reproduction, feed efficiency, carcass
merit, animal waste management, physical environment, life cycle
management systems, and food safety. Tours are available.
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SPRING RANCH: A ghost town where Liz Taylor, Tom Jones and James
Taylor are buried. Located in Clay County just past intersection of
S-18E and 74 on 74, on Little Blue River.
