The historic Page 618 Walking Dragline is officially headed to its new home. Thanks to Tilton and Sons Housemoving, Inc., Phase 1 of the relocation is scheduled to begin on December 4, 2025—a fitting date, as it marks the Feast Day of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. In the case of inclement weather (rain, snow, high wind advisory, etc.), plans may change, so please stay tuned to our Facebook page and local media for last minute information.
This opening phase is the first step in a multi-month relocation effort. The dragline’s massive 100-foot boom will be transported from its current site to its permanent home in Franklin, Kansas, at the intersection of Hwy 69 and Hwy 47. This corner property, owned by Miners Hall Museum, sits along the historic Jefferson Highway and will become the site of one of the most significant mining exhibits in the nation.
When fully installed, the Page 618 will be the largest walking dragline preserved for public display in the United States. Only two walking draglines are known to be on display in the country—a smaller Monighan dragline in Oregon and the Page 618 now en route to Franklin. Two walking draglines remain on display in Canada and one in the United Kingdom.
Only eighteen Page 618 Walking Draglines were ever built. Today, just two are known to survive: the Franklin machine and one deteriorating unit located deep in the woods in the eastern U.S.
Viewing Information
Community members are invited to safely observe the move from designated locations along the route. Please do not stop along the highway. Instead, park only in safe, permitted areas and avoid blocking traffic.
Recommended viewing will begin at Highway 69 & Highway 400 (Kansas Crossing corner) and continue north along the Highway 69 Bypass, then north on Business 69 into Franklin. There will be no parking “on” the Franklin site. Estimated time of arrival at the Kansas Crossing intersection will be posted on our Facebook page (Miners Hall Museum) and will be issued to the media.
Those wishing to watch along Highway 69 should obtain permission from property owners before parking. A video is being created of the entire project for purchase at a later date.
Project Support
The Page 618 Dragline Project is funded in part by: Kansas Tourism, the Patterson Family Foundation, the John U. Parolo Education Trust, the Coleman Family Foundation, and the Mitchelson Family Foundation.
Miners Hall Museum extends its sincere gratitude to the Wendell & Lynda Wilkinson family for the generous donation of the Page 618 Walking Dragline, originally used by the Wilkinson Coal Company of Weir City, Kansas. Miners Hall Museum is honored to preserve this remarkable piece of coal-mining history.
The new dragline exhibit will be located along the historic Jefferson Highway, adjacent to the National and State Historic Site “Franklin/Arma Sidewalk.”
Miners Hall Museum remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich coal-mining history and diverse immigrant culture of Southeast Kansas.
Tim Price, left, Parsons Rotary Club Membership Chair presents a Corporate Membership Certificate to Don Alexander, right, president of Alexander Manufacturing. Courtesy Photo
