This is a cabinet card showing a painting by Henry Worrall of the first house (log cabin) in Topeka, Kansas Territory. In the winter of 1854-1855 this log cabin was the only building in Topeka. Nine pioneers lived in it and a large tent. The cabin served its purpose of housing the first citizens of the town until they could claim or buy land of their own and build more substantial dwellings. The roof of the cabin was originally thatched but it burned one night and the occupants barely escaped with their lives. The cabin was possibly razed in 1855 or 1856.