Ness City Kansas Photo Stop

Visited on: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Cost: Free

As they rolled into Ness City, I knew I had to stop and snap some photos of this quaint little Kansas town.

Without it doubt, the Ness County Bank Building stands out as a beautiful example of the craftsmanship of the late 1800s. Constructed in 1888 during a period of rapid growth and optimism, this magnificent edifice was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, characterized by its robust stone construction, intricate carvings, and imposing arches. The building was intended to symbolize stability and prosperity, reflecting the booming agricultural economy of the region at the time. Its construction involved meticulous craftsmanship, with local limestone being meticulously cut and assembled by skilled masons. 

An ornate, historic stone building featuring the words "Ness Co Bank" above the entrance. The structure has intricate carvings and a set of stone steps leading to a wooden door.
Plaque on a stone wall detailing the history of Ness County Bank Building, built in 1888 in Kansas, listing its uses and noting its status on the Kansas State and National Registers of Historic Sites.
A historic stone building stands on a corner under a partly cloudy sky, featuring arched windows, a flag on top, and benches on the sidewalk in front.
A historic stone building with arched windows stands under a bright sky, with the sun partially obscured by a central tower. A flag flies atop the building. Street and utility poles visible.
A historical stone building with arched windows and a central entrance, flying a U.S. flag, stands on a brick-paved street under a clear blue sky.

Ness City, Kansas, was named in honor of Corporal Noah V. Ness, a Union soldier who fought bravely during the American Civil War. Born in Pennsylvania, Ness enlisted in the 7th Kansas Cavalry and was known for his courage and dedication. Tragically, he succumbed to injuries sustained during the war, but his legacy lived on through the town named after him when it was established in the late 19th century.

The Ness County Courthouse, another prominent landmark in the city, was built in 1917. Designed by architect J.C. Holland, the courthouse is a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture, featuring grand columns, a stately clock tower, and intricate stonework. It was constructed to serve as the center of county government and justice, symbolizing the rule of law and community pride.

A three-story historic building with a stone facade, wide staircase leading to the entrance, and a wheelchair accessibility sign on the right.
A beige, three-story, neoclassical building with a clock above the main entrance set against a clear blue sky.
A statue of Corporal Noah V.B. Ness holding a roll of blueprints stands in front of a historic two-story stone courthouse with a clock on top and a central entrance. There is a tree and a sidewalk in the foreground.
Plaque on a stone memorial for Corporal Noah V.B. Ness of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry, who died on August 22, 1864, in Abbeville, Mississippi. The memorial was erected in 1878 by the Kansas Legislature.

I’m always drawn to buildings that are deteriorating and being reclaimed by nature. Unfortunately, every once in a while, I come across one that’s a registered historic site.

The Lion Block was constructed in 1887, and it was one of the prominent commercial buildings in the city, known for its distinctive architectural features and historical value. The name “Lion Block” is derived from the stone lion statues that adorn the building, which have become an iconic symbol of the area.

Fortunately, the building is being renovated and will be restored to its historical luster. In a few years, I may have to visit again and see what the renovation accomplished.

An old, two-story brick building with boarded-up windows and a partially collapsed roof stands on a deserted brick-paved street. Trees partially obscure the facade.
Abandoned two-story brick building with broken windows and peeling paint. Metal stairs lead to boarded entrances. Clear sky in the background.
A plaque on a brick wall states "The Lion Block has been listed in the National Register of Historic Kansas Places by the United States Department of the Interior August 20, 2008.
An empty, run-down room with chipped paint, debris on the wooden floor, and a broken ceiling. A door leads to another room with visible chairs inside.
Abandoned room with peeling walls, broken floorboards, and old furniture, including a stove and crates. A blue door is slightly ajar, revealing another room with more debris.
A dilapidated entrance with broken steps and wooden beams, leading into a stone building basement. The area is surrounded by overgrown grass and weeds.
An old, two-story brick building with peeling paint, and boarded-up windows stands on a sunny street next to a tree and a clear blue sky background.
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From: Kansas
Filed Under: Architectural Fascination, Sidewalk Sauntering
Journal Entry Tags:
CourthousesHistoric BuildingsHistorical Markers
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