by Amy Lee Clark

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: October 22, 2009

Wichita, named after the American Indian tribe and language, has a fascinating history which makes it a historical city state-wise and nation-wise in the U.S. It is part of Sedgwick County in the State of Kansas and its first official settlement that turned into the present day city dates back to 1870.

There are many areas and buildings in Wichita which are under the National and State Historical Department. Noted below are the Wichita's ten most noted historical sites. All these have been recognized nationally.

# 1. Allen Lambe House Museum: 255 N. Roosevelt

This house belonged to Henry J. Allen (Journalist & Statesman) and Elsie J. Nuzman Allen (Artist & Art Collector). It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, took three years to be completed and was occupied in 1918. It has been considered the architect's last Prairie House. Architectural style is unique, in that, it resembles the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and the Martin House in Buffalo, N.Y., which is not seen elsewhere. This house was part of the Wichita State University Endowment Association and on 20th September 1990 was sold to the Allen Lambe House Foundation. Currently it contains 23 pieces of original furniture which was designed exclusively for this house and it also contains some of the art work of Elsie Allen, purchased back from different sources over the years. The Allen Lambe House is now turned into a museum.

# 2. Bower's House: 1004, North Market

This American Four Square House, made of concrete and Asphalt, belonged to Dr. Bowers. He was the pioneer of X-rays in Wichita. It was built in 1906.

It has been nominated for the Kansas and National Registers of Historic Places May 2004.

# 3. Brown Building: 105, South Broadway

This building was built in two phases; the first in 1926, and consisted of 6 floors. By 1928, 5 floors were added to the building. This 11 floor structure was made with reinforced concrete, red brick and Carthage Bedford White Stone. Currently it is a major commercial complex. It is owned and managed by Brosius Investment Company. On August 18th 2007, it was nominated for the Kansas and National Registers of Historic Places.

# 4. Carey House Hotel, (Eaton Hotel): 525,East Douglas

This building was constructed during the years 1886 to 1887. It is a 5 story building, built in the Second Empire Style. It belonged to the mayor and businessman John B Carey. Wichita was very famous for its nightlife, bars and brothels and made national headlines when Carrie Nation

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