Historic Landmarks
| Since most structures still standing today date back only a few decades, the planning of Derby’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2019 prompted discussions about how to best tell Derby’s story.
Landmark signs were determined to be the best way to commemorate Derby’s origin as a farming community of people who value family and faith (1869-1949) to its boomtown period (1950-1979) of building homes and schools, its suburban growth (1980-1999) with parks and a cutting-edge recreation commission, and finally to its coming of age as a regional center (2000-2019) with shopping and services to meet most community needs. Visiting the seven Derby Landmarks will provide a thorough education about Derby’s first 150 years. |
| 1. Arkansas River Crossing, Warren Riverview Park, 321 W. Market St. Features a rich history of the crossing of the Arkansas River and its bridges. Learn more | |
| 2. El Paso Business District, 229 N. Baltimore Ave. On July 11, 1871, a town plat was filed in Sedgwick County and business boomed. Learn more | |
| 2. Smith Farm and St. Mary School, Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave. in the 1950s, the Smith Farm sold to build homes for the post-war baby boom and for St. Mary’s church and school. Learn more | |
| 4. Derby Public School and Historical Museum, 710 E. Market St. Built in 1924, Derby’s former K-12 school is now home to the community’s historical museum. Learn more | |
| 5. Lauber Farm and Silo, Brookwood & Redwood St. (north of Riley Park) The once expansive Lauber Farm is now home to familiar places such as the Derby Recreation Center and Derby Middle School. Learn more | |
| 6. El Paso Cemetery, 700 E. Kay St. The original cemetery included only the southeast corner of the cemetery and is the final resting place of many influential Derby citizens. Learn more | |
| 7. Garrett Homestead, Garrett Park, 1100 E. Chet Smith Ave. Alexander and Margaret Garrett were the first settlers to put down their roots in derby. Learn about their journey and life as early homesteaders. Visit the Derby Historical Museum to see the original sod home they constructed. Learn more | |
| Round Barn 9449 S. Woodlawn Although not designated as one of Derby’s landmarks, the Round Barn (1910) located on south Woodlawn near 95th Street is not only one of the oldest structures in the Derby area, its unique design makes it an impressive part of the skyline and should only be viewed by the public by driving by. Although used for farm and ranch operations for most of its life, currently it is privately owned and available to rent for special events. (RoundBarn.webs.com). |
Landmark brochures with maps can be found at Derby City Hall, the Derby Welcome Center, the Derby Public Library and the Derby Historical Museum. if you are planning a special event/landmark tour and would like to request brochures, please contact Janae’ Springer at 788-1519 ext. 1232 or janaespringer@derbyweb.com.