Approximately four-tenths of a mile south of this fountain on Seymour S. Rogers' homestead stood the original hand-dug well that gave Liberal its name. In 1885, Rogers began offering free water from the well to settlers and trail-weary travelers, prompting the expression, "That's mighty liberal!" Liberal was first used officially as the name of the post office established on June 14, 1886, at Rogers' settlement. When the Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska R.R. arrived in April 1888, the town site moved one mile east and kept the name Liberal.