The 1858 House Hotel stands as a monument of the old west days. It was built in 1858 by D.W. Houston. The structure first served as a hotel and was the first in Garnett. The building is rich in history, nearly 160 years worth. The house stands witness for a time in history called “Bleeding Kansas.” Bleeding Kansas is defined as a mini civil war between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces that occurred in Kansas from 1856 to 1865. John Brown, who was described as an anti-slavery radical abolitionist, was said to have hidden slaves in the attic area of the house in 1859 (a short time prior to the American Civil War). The American Civil War formally began between April 12 and April 15th of 1861. During the 1870s the town of Garnett was a sort of pit stop for cowboys, settlers that were westward bound, and other types of people. With that Old West type scenerio one can imagine the kinds of activities that took place in Garnett… saloons, gun fights, and brothels to name a few. The House Hotel historical monument saw many a famous visitor in its history. The guest list includes famous lawmen Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and Wild Bill Hickock. It also includes famous scout Buffalo Bill Cody who was traveling with Hickock at the time. Belle Starr the famous female cowboy shooter was also a guest of the hotel. The famous outlaw Jesse James was also rumored to have stayed here under one of his many aliases. After a time the Hotel became a private residence. In the early 1950s the structure served as a Doctor’s Office of Dr. Robert Stevens and his wife Dr. Julius-Stevens. They treated patients in the old hotel up until the 21st Century.