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Historic treasures, stylish mansions, high spirited citizens, modern developments and serene locations, this is how one can describe Abilene, a city in the state of Kansas, USA. It is the county seat of Dickinson County and Kansas City is located about 163 miles (262 km) from Abilene. The city began its journey as a mere stage coach stop in 1857, however, it grew quickly as a location for stockyards. With the advancement of railroads futher west, the cattle traders used Abilene as the largest stockyard west of Kansas City. The is also the last town of the historic Chisholm Trail.
Conrad Lebold was one of the early town developers of this region and in 1880 he built one of the finest houses of those times. Lebold Mansion, built west of Topeka, in the Italianate Tuscan villa style, was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today, it houses the finest collection of American Victorian antiques and artifacts.
In 1890, Dr AB Seelye founded the A B Seelye Medical Company which developed a number of medical products. The Patent Medicine Museum now contains many artifacts of this company. He also built the famous three-storied Georgian style Seelye mansion in 1905, which has now been converted into a museum. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town of Abilene is also famous for its Eisenhower Presidential Center and the Dwight D Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. It was the home of Dwight D Eisenhower, former President of the United States. One can travel to Abilene to enjoy the Historic Trolley Tours and also visit the Old Abilene Town and Museum to see an authentic replica of the past of this cattle capital. Abilene city is also well known for its Greyhound Hall of Fame, which offers an exciting introduction to the Greyhound, “The Dog Racing Sport”. The museum displays its long and colorful history, and traces its development in America.
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