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NE Kansas
Seneca Explorations
Learn more about Seneca by following the links below:

Hand Dug Well

Address: 301 N 11th
Seneca, KS 66538
Telephone Number: 785.336.1313
Second Telephone Number: 785.336.6366

Website: www.nemahacountyhistoricalsociety.com/places/seneca-kansas
Email Address: senecaimpact@gmail.com

About this Exploration:



















The Seneca Hand Dug Well is the last visible sign of Seneca's original water system, installed in 1895.  The 65-foot deep by 35-foot wide, rock/brick-lined well is the widest and second largest hand-dug well in Kansas.  The 3-foot wide rock walls are laid in 4-foot high sections, constructed from ground level downward.  Water depth is approximately 25-foot and has remained at that level since at least 1979, long after the well stopped being used for human consumption. 

The well is located in the City Park. A domed house with shingled roof covers the well and is topped by a cupola and encircled by 6-foot tall chain link fence.  Installation of submersible pumps took place during city restoration work in 1989.  A service platform was installed by the golf club and enclosed for visitor safety.  The well has been used to water the golf course fairways in the past and now draws tourists to view this site.

The Seneca Hand Dug Well is listed on the Registers of Historic Kansas Places as well as the National Register of Historic Places.
 
Open by appointment only.
 

contact info
Kylee Luckeroth
523 Main Street
Seneca, KS 66538
Phone: 785.336.1313
 
Seneca Area Chamber/Downtown Impact
PO Box 135
Seneca, KS 66538
Phone: 785.336.1313
 
 
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