Improvements have begun on a new Chase County veterans project aimed at restoring a historic native limestone barn in Cottonwood Falls’ Swope Park.
The barn is all that remains of Chase County’s cavalry unit. In August 1926, the 2nd Squadron Headquarters Detachment, 114th Cavalry, was organized in Cottonwood Falls by Frank Dunkley, who led the organization. The original enlistment included 27 young men from the area.
In October 1926, the unit was mustered in by the federal government through Major Chandler of Topeka and by Col. Roy Perkins for the state of Kansas. That same month, the Cottonwood Falls City Council voted to spend $2,000 to build a barn in Swope Park for the cavalry.
The building was rented to the government for $15 per month.
Completed in February 1927, the barn provided stable space for 10 horses, feed and supply storage, and living quarters for a caretaker. Its use as a cavalry barn was brief. In May 1929, less than three years after its completion, the building became an armory and served as headquarters for the Headquarters Company, First Battalion, 137th Infantry.
Restoration work is being led by the Cavalry Barn Committee, which includes descendants of members of the original unit. The committee’s goal is to restore the barn to its original condition and include displays of cavalry and infantry equipment.
The project is intended to preserve an important piece of Chase County military history and honor the local men who served.
For more information, call 620.794.0328.