Area

8 Wonders of Kansas

Monument Rocks and Castle Rock made the final designation as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. The project was created and sponsored by the Kansas Sampler Foundation in Inman, KS to increase awareness of wonderful sites throughout the state to visit and promote tourism. Over 24,000 people participated in the process.

Governor Sebelius announced the winners on Kansas Day, February 9^th, 2008 in the rotunda of the State Capitol to a packed audience..

By Proclamation of the Governor: "Monument Rocks and Castle Rock are ancient chalk beds that have produced many scientifically significant fossils and have been highly eroded into unusual spires and shapes, making them spectacular landmarks…"

With Governor Sebelius Monument Rocks and Castle Rock were combined into one designation because of their geologic similarities and both are situated in Gove County, although miles apart from each other.

Barbara Shelton and Chuck Bonner, Keystone Gallery, were selected by the Kansas Sampler Foundation as the representatives for Monument Rocks. Mahlon and Carolyn Tuttle, Quinter, were selected as the representatives for Castle Rock. All of us were present on Kansas Day to accept the Governors’ award and the unveiling of our personalized plaques.

Keystone Gallery has one of these plaques on display. Thanks to all who voted for our site.

We had lot of fun during this film shoot with reporter Kim Hynes and photojournalist George Taylor. Kansas lived up to its’ name that day—land of the south wind—we found a place to hide out of it. Monument Rocks are tall enough that we didn’t get blown over by the southern gale and could be interviewed.

KWCH News With McCauley Television station KWCH in Wichita, Kansas, promoted the 8 Wonders of Kansas project throughout the latter half of 2007. The station aired segments on all of the 24 nominated sites every Monday. The TV spot showed both Monument Rocks and Castle Rock representatives talking about historical and geologic aspects that made the sites qualify as wonders.

In September, we sponsored an educational talk led by Jim McCauley, geologist with the Kansas Geologic Survey. It was a beautiful day, the rocks were shining and the talk was most informative. Jim is the co-author of Roadside Kansas which details geologic landmarks and fascinating history throughout Kansas.