A Visit to the Grant County Museum in Sheridan

By: Zoie Clift 05/02/2013

On a trip to Sheridan recently I made a stop by the Grant County Museum.

The museum is one of my favorites and houses an impressive collection of …it seems just about everything.

The Richard G. Harrison Military Vehicle Collection- largest display of military vehicles in the nation. Photo by Z. Clift. ​

Upon entering what appears (from the outside) to be a tiny museum one is greeted with a collection that meticulously covers the history of the area and its ties to the nation and world. The scope of information housed in the museum is very impressive.

A photo of Littleton Meek Veazey, who gave land for the city of Sheridan in 1869. Photo by Z. Clift. ​

I learned of Littleton Meek Veazey (who gave land for the city of Sheridan in 1869), saw relics from the Battle of Jenkins’ Ferry (one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War), learned of the logging technique of river rafting, saw the tools of the trade of local beloved veterinarian William DeKalb Wylie, saw one of the nation’s largest displays of military vehicles at the Richard G. Harrison Military Vehicle Collection, visited an antique car gallery, took in a collection of World War II artifacts, toured Heritage Square (a collection of original buildings once found in town—new is a One Room School House), visited a blacksmith shop, and learned of local tales such as that of  Dr. Richard Rhodes, (the first Doc in the territory) who was murdered in town (by being hanged twice!) by Jayhawkers in 1867 and the 1939 kidnapping of Witt Stephens.

And that’s only glossing the surface of what’s housed here.

A visit to the blacksmith shop in Heritage Square. Photo by Z. Clift. ​

The museum has a new director ( Lindsey Stanton) and she was giving tours to local school kids when I visited—a nice sight to see. A neat time to see the museum will be the upcoming May Day Heritage Festival on May 4. The festival takes place from 10-2 on Heritage Square.

Tools of the trade of local beloved veterinarian William DeKalb. Photo by Z. Clift.​

If you find yourself in Sheridan, try to check it out. But be sure to put aside a few hours. A quick  stop just won’t do.T he museum is located at 521 Shackleford Road in Sheridan. For more information on the museum, check out grantcountymuseum.com.