Platted the following year, the town was not "square with the world". Cedar Vale was laid out on the diagonal rather than aligning with north-south compass points, so that looking down Cedar Street gave an unobstructed view of Caney River and Cedar Creek Valleys, and the junction of the two streams.
Cedar Vale has never been a boom or a bust town. Fortunately, its residents have enjoyed a modest but solid economy, waxing and waning with the fortunes of the agricultural enterprises of the area.
L.C. Adam Mercantile Building (Cedar Vale Historical Museum)
Built in 1904, and still the largest building in downtown Cedar Vale, the L. C. Adam
Mercantile Building located at 618 Cedar Street was the center of commerce in Cedar Vale for a half century. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic places in April of 2007. Nominated for its commercial architecture that reflects the transition between the Victorian era of the late 19th century and the more restrained Revival styles of the early 20th century. The building retains a high degree of its architectural integrity and is a significant reflection of an important era in Cedar Vale history.
Hewins Park Pavilion
Built in 1913, the Cedar Vale Hewins Park Pavilion located at 101 Salebarn Road has provided Cedar Vale's residents an outdoor meeting place that was designed to accomodate large crowds. The pavilion was designed by Mr. Hayland of Winfield, Kansas, and built by local contractor Chester A. Bradley. Nineteenth century rancher, businessman, and politician Ed Hewins, set aside land for a 44-acre park in 1882. Surrounded by large cedar trees, this impressive wood-frame pavilion is open on three sides and features a semi-circular stage at its south end. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in June of 2007, for its significance as a local gathering spot for Chautauquas, outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations, and for its architectural significance.