The Prophet (Tenskwatawa; literally, "the door opener"), brother of Tecumseh, created Shawneetown in the area (near what today is Woodend and Shawnee Drive at 35th street).

He made his final home near Turner in Argentine, Kansas (the property is today owned by Jack Beemont).

[citation needed] Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah), who was Tecumseh's adoptive brother, was known to the early European settlers in this area.

The original Shawnee Methodist Mission was built in 1830 near Chouteau's old trading post (near the heart of the Turner community).

Around 1837, Charles Lovelace established a saw mill (today it would be located at 55th and Speaker Road, but has been long ago torn down).

In 1912, Turner had a few general stores, a school, money order post office, telegraph and express facilities.

[2] Historically, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway went through Argentine, Turner, and Kaw Valley.

The Farmer train station's circular platform stood at 55th street (which is Turner’s main downtown area).

Two members of the community, Warren Hewitt and Jule Gaignet, submitted the icon and it won the majority of support in a contest.

[2] According to John Gardiner in 1831, the great golden bear that lived in the area was feared and admired by the local native population.

It would raid the settlements of the area folks and feasted on the animals owned by the local population (the Shawnee tribe).