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Greensburg, Kansas

Greensburg is a city in, and the county seat of, Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, the population of the city was 740. It is home to the world's largest hand-dug well.

On the evening of May 4, 2007, Greensburg was devastated by an EF5 tornado that leveled at least 95 percent of the city, killing eleven people between the ages of 46 and 84. The town had a population of 2,000 people in the late 1990s, and 1,400 people before the tornado leveled the town. Some people did not want to come back, or rebuild the town, or build green. Today, Greensburg stands as a model "green town", often described as the greenest in America. The hospital, city hall, and school have all been built to the highest certification level issued by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Early history
For millennia, the Great Plains of North America were inhabited by nomadic Native Americans.

19th century
The first settlement was made at Greensburg in 1885. Greensburg was named for D.R. "Cannonball" Green, who owned a stagecoach company and who helped to form the city. In 1887, construction began on the Big Well, the largest hand-dug well in the world. In 1888, Greensburg was advertised as the "liveliest town in the state." In the same year, the Big Well finished construction.

20th century
The Big Well stopped being a source of the city's water in 1932.

One of the largest pallasite meteorites ever discovered was found near Greensburg in 1949, weighing over 1,000 pounds.

In 1972, the Big Well was declared a national museum.

21st century
At 9:45 p.m. CDT on May 4, 2007, during a deadly tornado outbreak, Greensburg was hit by an EF5 tornado. The tornado was estimated to be 1.7 mi in width — wider than the city itself — and traveled for nearly 22 mi. Ninety-five percent of the city was confirmed to be destroyed, with the other five percent being severely damaged. The National Weather Service estimated winds of the tornado to reach 205 mi/h. This was the first tornado to be rated EF5 since the implementation of the Enhanced Fujita scale earlier that year and the first F5 or EF5 classification since May 3, 1999, when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, as part of the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak. Tornado sirens sounded in the city twenty minutes before the tornado struck, and a tornado emergency was issued, which likely saved many lives. The tornado lasted for a total of one hour and five minutes and caused $250 million in damages.

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and President George W. Bush both declared Kiowa County a disaster area, which opened up the affected areas for national and international aid. The tornado took 10 lives in Greensburg and two more in neighboring towns. While some rebuilding was done, the population by 2010 was about 50% of what it was in 2000, as the 2000 census found 1,574 residents, while only 777 were recorded in the 2010 census.

After the tornado, the city council passed a resolution stating that all city buildings would be built to LEED — platinum standards, making it the first city in the nation to do so. Greensburg is rebuilding as a "green" town, with the help of Greensburg GreenTown, a non-profit organization created to help the residents learn about and implement the green living initiative. With extra help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Greensburg residents developed a long-term plan for Greensburg. The city's power is supplied by ten 1.25 MW wind-turbines. Carbon offsets generated from the turbines are being managed by NativeEnergy, and have been purchased by charter supporters including Ben & Jerry's, Clif Bar, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Stonyfield Farm. Greensburg also has numerous electric vehicle charging stations and complimentary bikes.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.48 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Under the Köppen Climate Classification system, Greensburg has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "CFA" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 740 people, 329 households, and 176 families in Greensburg. The population density was 413.6 per square mile (159.7/km$2$). There were 403 housing units at an average density of 225.3 per square mile (87.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 88.65% (656) white or European American (87.43% non-Hispanic white), 2.3% (17) black or African-American, 0.27% (2) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.76% (13) Asian, 0.54% (4) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.41% (3) from other races, and 6.08% (45) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 2.57% (19) of the population.

Of the 329 households, 25.8% had children under the age of 18; 43.8% were married couples living together; 34.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 41.3% of households consisted of individuals and 21.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.5% of the population.

22.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 114.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $41,518 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,218) and the median family income was $61,250 (+/- $26,252). Males had a median income of $40,221 (+/- $4,038) versus $24,000 (+/- $11,825) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $32,868 (+/- $5,509). Approximately, 3.5% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 777 people, 355 households, and 212 families in the city. The population density was 525.0 PD/sqmi. There were 431 housing units at an average density of 291.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.5% White, 0.4% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 355 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 45.2 years. The city population contained 22% of residents under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 1,574 people, 730 households, and 453 families in the city. The population density was 1,055.9 PD/sqmi. There were 887 housing units at an average density of 595.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.01% White, 0.83% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 1.02% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.

There were 730 households, out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.76.

The city population contained 21.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,438, and the median income for a family was $39,188. Males had a median income of $28,426 versus $20,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,054. About 8.4% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Kiowa County USD 422 public school district. Greensburg schools were closed through school unification. The Greensburg Rangers won the Kansas State High School boys class B basketball championship in 1948.

As of the 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 82.35% of School Enrolled Population are Enrolled in Kindergarten to 12th Grade in Greensburg. 27.4% of residents have a High School or Equivalent degree, 27.4% have some college but no degree, 8.6% have an associate degree, 16.8% have a bachelor's degree, and 7.2% have a Graduates or Professional degree.

Attractions
Greensburg is home to the world's largest hand dug well. Work had begun on the well in 1887 to provide water for the steam engines of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. When the well was completed in 1888 it was 109 ft deep and 32 ft in diameter. The well was used as the city's water supply until 1932. In 1939 it was opened as a tourist attraction allowing visitors to descend to the bottom of the well.

The adjacent museum displayed a 1000-pound pallasite meteorite until the museum fell down around the meteorite during the 2007 tornado that destroyed the city. The meteorite was found in the rubble of the museum and moved to a temporary home in Hays, Kansas while Greensburg was rebuilding. In May 2012, the new Big Well Museum and Visitor Information Center opened featuring exhibits about the history of Greensburg, The Big Well, the 2007 tornado, the rebuilding process, and the meteorite.

On October 16, 2006, a related smaller meteorite measuring 154 pounds (70 kilograms) was dug up near Greensburg (5 mi) and Haviland (4 mi). The only scientific publication discussing time of impact suggests a terrestrial age of 20,000 years. It was once thought that its age was around 10,000 years.

The town serves as a time station for the annual Race Across America, a 3000 mi transcontinental bicycle race.

The 5.4.7 Arts Center serves as a non-profit organization for hosting visual and performative arts, and acts as the only arts center between Dodge City, Kansas and Wichita, Kansas.

The Kiowa County Historical Museum and Soda Fountain operates as a museum for Kiowa County. It contains artifacts and information from the westward expansion of the United States fueled by ideas of Manifest Destiny. It also contains local history including sporting equipment and notable people from around Kiowa County.

West of Greensburg, the M.T. Liggett Art Environment offers a kinetic art display that utilizes pieces of discarded metal along with wind energy to create a roadside attraction.

The Fromme-Birney Round Barn is a notable horse barn that was built in 1912. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Transportation
Greensburg is served by three U.S. Highways:

Bus service is provided daily eastward towards Wichita, Kansas and westward towards Pueblo, Colorado by BeeLine Express (subcontractor of Greyhound Lines).

Media
Several television networks have drawn an interest in Greensburg as a subject for reality shows as a result of the Greensburg City Council's decision to make the city a "green" town. A documentary on its reconstruction, called Greensburg, aired on Planet Green, a sister network of Discovery Channel.

Another documentary, Earth 2100, drew attention to Greensburg as "the green town" that was built after the devastating 2007 tornado. The ABC film suggested a fictionalized, future Greensburg as a model showing how American towns can successfully implement green technology, and become a beacon for hope on a planet doomed to destruction from climate change and overpopulation.

Multiple books have been written about Greensburg and the 2007 tornado. Greensburg: The Twisted Tales (Janice Haney) recounts several residents' experiences with the tornado. Aftermath: Scenes from the Sudden Destruction of an American Hometown (Merlin Peck) showcases images of destruction and debris from the event.

Notable people

 * Manvel H. Davis, Republican loser to Harry S. Truman in 1940 U.S. senatorial Missouri campaign
 * Dennis McKinney, Kansas State Treasurer 2008-2010
 * Sandra Seacat, actress and acting coach

title: Greensburg, Kansas


text:
Haviland, Kansas

Haviland is a city in Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 678. It is located along Highway 54. It is home of Barclay College and known for meteorite finds connected to the Haviland Crater.

History
Haviland was founded by a group of Quakers originally from Indiana and named for Laura Haviland, a leader of the Underground Railroad.

The first post office in Haviland was established in June 1886. Haviland was incorporated as a city in 1906.

Geography
Haviland is located at 37.61667°N, -99.10556°W (37.616685, -99.105478). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 678 people, 227 households, and 147 families in Haviland. The population density was 1,378.0 per square mile (532.1/km$2$). There were 260 housing units at an average density of 528.5 per square mile (204.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.14% (584) white or European American (84.51% non-Hispanic white), 3.39% (23) black or African-American, 0.29% (2) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.29% (2) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.54% (24) from other races, and 6.34% (43) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 6.19% (42) of the population.

Of the 227 households, 27.8% had children under the age of 18; 52.0% were married couples living together; 27.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 28.2% of households consisted of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.1. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 21.1% of the population.

20.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 20.9% from 18 to 24, 19.2% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 101.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $53,625 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,701) and the median family income was $59,375 (+/- $20,639). Males had a median income of $24,688 (+/- $9,444) versus $11,513 (+/- $6,173) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $16,688 (+/- $4,852). Approximately, 2.8% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.5% of those under the age of 18 and 9.7% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 701 people, 228 households, and 162 families residing in the city. The population density was 1557.8 PD/sqmi. There were 261 housing units at an average density of 580.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.1% White, 1.1% African American, 1.7% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 0.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.6% of the population.

There were 228 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 0.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.9% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 32.8 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 21.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 22.5% were from 45 to 64; and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 612 people, 207 households, and 146 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,314.5 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 537.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.24% White, 1.14% African American, 0.82% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.98% from other races, and 0.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.43% of the population.

There were 207 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 17.8% from 18 to 24, 19.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,821, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $30,179 versus $18,214 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,075. About 6.6% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Primary and secondary
The community is served by Haviland USD 474 public school district. It shares Kiowa County High School with Kiowa County USD 422 public school district.

Haviland High School was closed through school unification. The Haviland Dragons won the Kansas State High School boys Track & Field championship in 1922.

College
Barclay College, a four-year private college affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends, is located in Haviland.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Haviland, Kansas


text:
Mullinville, Kansas

Mullinville is a city in Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 197.

History
The first post office at Mullinville was established in September 1884.

Mullinville was laid out in about 1886. It was named for Alfred A. Mullin, a pioneer settler and storekeeper.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.60 sqmi, all of it land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 197 people, 75 households, and 56 families in Mullinville. The population density was 307.3 per square mile (118.7/km$2$). There were 105 housing units at an average density of 163.8 per square mile (63.2/km$2$). The racial makeup was 87.82% (173) white or European American (86.8% non-Hispanic white), 1.52% (3) black or African-American, 0.51% (1) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.51% (1) from other races, and 9.64% (19) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.58% (11) of the population.

Of the 75 households, 32.0% had children under the age of 18; 66.7% were married couples living together; 13.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 22.7% of households consisted of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.8. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 3.6% of the population.

20.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 93.8 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $56,518 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,854) and the median family income was $67,727 (+/- $5,792). Males had a median income of $51,719 (+/- $16,568) versus $15,625 (+/- $14,638) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $37,222 (+/- $6,705). Approximately, 1.4% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 255 people, 107 households, and 68 families residing in the city. The population density was 425.0 PD/sqmi. There were 132 housing units at an average density of 220.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.9% White, 0.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.2% of the population.

There were 107 households, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 41.3 years. 26.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 23.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 279 people, 113 households, and 80 families residing in the city. The population density was 465.8 PD/sqmi. There were 132 housing units at an average density of 220.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.85% White, 1.43% Asian, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.43% of the population.

There were 113 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,875, and the median income for a family was $39,375. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $21,667 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,258. About 10.5% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 13.0% of those 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Kiowa County USD 422 public school district. Mullinville is home to 21st Century Learning Academy, an accredited virtual school of the same school district. In 2011, USD 422 absorbed the former Mullinville USD 424, which had dissolved.

The Mullinville High School mascot was Tigers. The Mullinville Tigers won the following Kansas State High School championships:
 * 1953 Boys Track & Field - Class B
 * 1964 Boys Basketball - Class BB
 * 1981 Boys Basketball - Class 1A

Notable people

 * M.T. Liggett (1930-2017), American Folk Sculptor, was born in Mullinville.

title: Mullinville, Kansas


text:
Altamont, Kansas

Altamont is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,061.

History
Altamont had its start in the year 1879 by the building of the railroad through that territory. The first settlers of Altamont was the Huston family. The present day street is named after them. When they went to the nearby town of Oswego, people would ask them where they lived. They would say about a mile east of the lone tree. Since there weren't many trees in Kansas at the time this would be served as a landmark. It was named after Altamont, Illinois. Altamont was incorporated in 1884.

Geography
Altamont is located at 37.18972°N, -95.29361°W (37.189803, -95.293529). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.66 sqmi, of which 1.64 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Altamont has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 1,061 people, 428 households, and 301 families in Altamont. The population density was 557.0 per square mile (215.0/km$2$). There were 448 housing units at an average density of 235.2 per square mile (90.8/km$2$). The racial makeup was 84.92% (901) white or European American (82.94% non-Hispanic white), 0.57% (6) black or African-American, 1.89% (20) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.38% (4) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.85% (9) from other races, and 11.4% (121) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.3% (35) of the population.

Of the 428 households, 36.9% had children under the age of 18; 54.9% were married couples living together; 24.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 25.0% of households consisted of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 15.4% of the population.

26.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 111.6 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $48,971 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,120) and the median family income was $61,111 (+/- $2,603). Males had a median income of $36,776 (+/- $5,126) versus $29,375 (+/- $9,949) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $34,412 (+/- $7,544). Approximately, 6.3% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.1% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,080 people, 419 households, and 291 families residing in the city. The population density was 658.5 PD/sqmi. There were 447 housing units at an average density of 272.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.7% White, 0.6% African American, 1.9% Native American, 0.5% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 419 households, of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.12.

The median age in the city was 36.1 years. 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 22% were from 45 to 64; and 14.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,092 people, 427 households, and 303 families residing in the city. The population density was 677.1 PD/sqmi. There were 458 housing units at an average density of 284.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.43% White, 1.37% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.55% of the population.

There were 427 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,431, and the median income for a family was $40,987. Males had a median income of $30,694 versus $22,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,895. About 5.2% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 21.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Labette County USD 506 public school district. The district school office, Labette County High School, and Altamont Grade School are located in the city of Altamont, and four grade schools are located in other cities in the school district.

The Labette County High School mascot is the Grizzlies, and their colors are red and gold. Previously, Altamont High School was closed when school unification merged into USD 506.

Altamont Grade School, a Pre-K through 8th grade facility, acts as a feeder school to Labette County High School. Altamont Grade School's mascot is the Eagles, and their colors are Navy and Columbia Blue.

title: Altamont, Kansas


text:
Bartlett, Kansas

Bartlett is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 69.

History
Bartlett was platted in June 1886. It was named for one of its founders, Robert A. Bartlett.

The first post office in Bartlett was established in September 1886.

Bartlett was located on the Missouri Pacific Railway.

Geography
Bartlett is located at 37.05492°N, -95.21159°W (37.054922, -95.211588). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.13 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 69 people, 36 households, and 20 families in Bartlett. The population density was 518.8 per square mile (200.3/km$2$). There were 37 housing units at an average density of 278.2 per square mile (107.4/km$2$). The racial makeup was 79.71% (55) white or European American (79.71% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 7.25% (5) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 13.04% (9) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 0.0% (0) of the population.

Of the 36 households, 27.8% had children under the age of 18; 41.7% were married couples living together; 13.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 33.3% of households consisted of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.1. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 2.9% of the population.

20.3% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 40.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show the median income for those above 16 years old was $24,500 (+/- $13,872). Approximately, 47.6% of families and 59.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 81.0% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 80 people, 32 households, and 24 families residing in the city. The population density was 615.4 PD/sqmi. There were 42 housing units at an average density of 323.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 76.3% White, 7.5% Native American, and 16.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 32 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.0% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the city was 35 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 17.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 8.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.5% male and 47.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 124 people, 46 households, and 32 families residing in the city. The population density was 946.9 PD/sqmi. There were 47 housing units at an average density of 358.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.29% White, 5.65% Native American, 3.23% Asian, 0.81% from other races, and 4.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.03% of the population.

There were 46 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,625, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $25,750 versus $15,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,662. There were 12.0% of families and 15.3% of the population living below the poverty line, including 7.7% of under eighteens and 22.2% of those over 64.

Education
The community is served by Labette County USD 506 public school district.

title: Bartlett, Kansas


text:
Chetopa, Kansas

Chetopa is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 929. Chetopa was named for Chief Chetopah, an Osage Indian chief. Later, the community name was shortened.

History
The community began as an Osage village, named after its Chief Chetopah, whose name in the Osage language signifies "four lodges," was an advocate of peace, the leading chief of the Little Osage tribe, and one of the chief counselors of the Osage Nation.

In 1847 a trading post to exchange goods with the Osage Nation was established here by Larkin McGhee. By the time of McGhee's arrival there were three other Euro-American families plus two families with a Euro-American husband and a Cherokee wife at Chetopa. There were also many Osage there.

Chetopa was the site of a September 18, 1861 battle between the 6th Kansas Cavalry under the direction of James G. Blunt and pro-slavery raiders led by John Allen Mathews, whose wife was an Osage and was culturally identified with the Osages.

The first post office in Chetopa was established in April 1867. In 1880, Postmaster J.M. Cavaness petitioned the removal of the ending “h” in the original spelling to become Chetopa.

Chetopa was the destination of the Nevada and Minden Railway, completed in 1886. The town attracted that line, which ran southwest from Nevada, Missouri through Pittsburg, Kansas, when it donated land for right-of-way and year/depot purposes. Much of the trackage has since been abandoned.

Geography
Chetopa is located at 37.0375°N, -95.09194°W (37.037452, -95.091892). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.42 sqmi, of which 1.34 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Chetopa has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 929 people, 430 households, and 233 families in Chetopa. The population density was 681.1 per square mile (263.0/km$2$). There were 530 housing units at an average density of 388.6 per square mile (150.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.87% (807) white or European American (86.22% non-Hispanic white), 1.4% (13) black or African-American, 4.2% (39) Native American or Alaska Native, 1.08% (10) Asian, 0.11% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.11% (1) from other races, and 6.24% (58) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 0.75% (7) of the population.

Of the 430 households, 24.4% had children under the age of 18; 38.1% were married couples living together; 30.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 41.2% of households consisted of individuals and 24.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.8. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 11.5% of the population.

19.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 31.5% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $21,953 (with a margin of error of +/- $13,624) and the median family income was $42,188 (+/- $10,817). The median income for those above 16 years old was $20,375 (+/- $8,945). Approximately, 29.2% of families and 34.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 61.6% of those under the age of 18 and 17.4% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,125 people, 493 households, and 292 families residing in the city. The population density was 839.6 PD/sqmi. There were 647 housing units at an average density of 482.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.4% White, 2.1% African American, 6.0% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 5.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 493 households, of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.8% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.87.

The median age in the city was 46.9 years. 20.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,281 people, 560 households, and 341 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,004.9 PD/sqmi. There were 651 housing units at an average density of 510.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.15% White, 2.26% African American, 6.32% Native American, 0.08% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 560 households, out of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $23,250, and the median income for a family was $29,338. Males had a median income of $24,479 versus $19,231 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,705. About 13.1% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.3% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Chetopa is served by three Chetopa–St. Paul USD 505 public schools:
 * Chetopa Elementary School
 * Chetopa Junior High School
 * Chetopa High School

Chetopa is also served by a public library and a historic preservation society. The Chetopa Public Library is located at 312 Maple Street. The Historical Preservation Society of Labette County has a mission to preserve historical locales in Labette County for posterity.

title: Chetopa, Kansas


text:
Edna, Kansas

Edna is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 388.

History
The first store in Edna opened in 1876. The first post office in Edna was established in April 1878. The town of Edna was platted in the summer of 1886 when the railroad was extended to that point.

Edna was named in 1876 for a child, Edna Gragory.

The Edna Public Library opened in 1950.

Geography
Edna is located at 37.05944°N, -95.35861°W (37.059524, -95.358583). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.36 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Edna has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 388 people, 153 households, and 101 families in Edna. The population density was 984.8 per square mile (380.2/km$2$). There were 199 housing units at an average density of 505.1 per square mile (195.0/km$2$). The racial makeup was 82.22% (319) white or European American (81.96% non-Hispanic white), 0.52% (2) black or African-American, 5.67% (22) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 11.6% (45) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.29% (5) of the population.

Of the 153 households, 24.2% had children under the age of 18; 51.0% were married couples living together; 21.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 26.8% of households consisted of individuals and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.8. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 15.2% of the population.

27.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.1 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $56,500 (with a margin of error of +/- $10,654) and the median family income was $68,750 (+/- $24,061). Males had a median income of $39,063 (+/- $14,764) versus $20,139 (+/- $3,830) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,111 (+/- $4,110). Approximately, 6.9% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under the age of 18 and 2.6% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 442 people, 183 households, and 122 families residing in the city. The population density was 1227.8 PD/sqmi. There were 219 housing units at an average density of 608.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.7% White, 3.4% Native American, 0.9% from other races, and 7.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 183 households, of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.3% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the city was 39.7 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 423 people, 191 households, and 123 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,065.6 PD/sqmi. There were 214 housing units at an average density of 539.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.07% White, 0.24% African American, 5.20% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.47% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 191 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,250, and the median income for a family was $34,205. Males had a median income of $28,438 versus $21,563 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,694. About 1.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 18.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Labette County USD 506 public school district.

Edna High School was closed through school unification. The Edna High School mascot was Pirates.

title: Edna, Kansas


text:
Labette, Kansas

Labette is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 50.

History
There have been three separate towns with the name Labette in Labette County since 1866. The present one was founded in 1870. It was named for Pierre Labette, a pioneer settler.

Labette was a station on the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

Geography
Labette is located at 37.23028°N, -95.18389°W (37.230391, -95.183793). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.22 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 50 people, 24 households, and 21 families in Labette. The population density was 223.2 per square mile (86.2/km$2$). There were 24 housing units at an average density of 107.1 per square mile (41.4/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.0% (43) white or European American (82.0% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 6.0% (3) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% (0) from other races, and 8.0% (4) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 4.0% (2) of the population.

Of the 24 households, 50.0% had children under the age of 18; 58.3% were married couples living together; 12.5% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 12.5% of households consisted of individuals and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 2.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 10.0% of the population.

30.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 22.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 84.2 males.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 78 people, 32 households, and 21 families residing in the city. The population density was 354.5 PD/sqmi. There were 36 housing units at an average density of 163.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White and 1.3% Native American.

There were 32 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.4% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 32.1% were from 45 to 64; and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 68 people, 30 households, and 23 families residing in the city. The population density was 303.7 PD/sqmi. There were 34 housing units at an average density of 151.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 30 households, out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 20.6% from 25 to 44, 44.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,677. There were 14.3% of families and 24.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 60.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The community is served by Labette County USD 506 public school district.

title: Labette, Kansas


text:
Mound Valley, Kansas

Mound Valley is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 348.

History
Mound Valley was founded in 1869. It was named from mound-like hills in the vicinity.

The first post office in Mound Valley was established in May 1870. Mound Valley was incorporated as a city in 1871. The town was a stop on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad line from 1886 until the 1970s, and was also served by the Frisco Railroad and is currently served by the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, which operates on the Frisco's former tracks.

Geography
Mound Valley is located at 37.20617°N, -95.40423°W (37.206173, -95.404231). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.65 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Mound Valley has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 348 people, 152 households, and 95 families in Mound Valley. The population density was 542.1 per square mile (209.3/km$2$). There were 167 housing units at an average density of 260.1 per square mile (100.4/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.21% (300) white or European American (85.92% non-Hispanic white), 0.29% (1) black or African-American, 1.44% (5) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.29% (1) from other races, and 11.78% (41) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.74% (13) of the population.

Of the 152 households, 30.3% had children under the age of 18; 42.1% were married couples living together; 34.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 35.5% of households consisted of individuals and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.7. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 4.6% of the population.

27.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 111.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $43,542 (with a margin of error of +/- $20,620) and the median family income was $65,833 (+/- $27,498). Males had a median income of $38,750 (+/- $12,648) versus $25,139 (+/- $3,183) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,500 (+/- $5,402). Approximately, 12.2% of families and 15.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under the age of 18 and 6.4% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 407 people, 170 households, and 105 families residing in the city. The population density was 626.2 PD/sqmi. There were 202 housing units at an average density of 310.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White, 2.2% Native American, 0.7% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 170 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.2% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 40.8 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 418 people, 168 households, and 115 families residing in the city. The population density was 636.5 PD/sqmi. There were 190 housing units at an average density of 289.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.26% White, 2.15% Native American, 1.67% from other races, and 1.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.91% of the population.

There were 168 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $23,542, and the median income for a family was $35,481. Males had a median income of $21,488 versus $13,958 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,252. About 21.5% of families and 24.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.3% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Labette County USD 506 public school district.

Notable people

 * George Pepperdine, philanthropist, founder of Pepperdine University and Western Auto
 * James Wesley, country music singer

title: Mound Valley, Kansas


text:
Oswego, Kansas

Oswego is a city in and the county seat of Labette County, Kansas, United States, and situated along the Neosho River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,668.

History
Oswego is located on the site of an Osage village called No tse Wa spe, which means "Heart Stays" or more loosely translated, "Quiet Heart." Jesuit Missionaries from Osage Mission (now St. Paul, Kansas) who worked among the Osages called the village "Little Town," probably because the band of Osages who lived in the village were of the "Little Osage" division of the Osage People. More specifically, the Osage Village of Little Town was described as "Little Town Above" by the Jesuits, to distinguish it from another village, which was sometimes located just to the east of Little Town, called "Little Town Below." While Osage villages were moved quite often (according to weather, hunting conditions, and sanitary conditions) Little Town Above was generally located on the bluff overlooking the Neosho River, where Oswego sits today. Little Town Below often sat near Horseshoe Lake, in the Neosho River Valley about a mile due east of Oswego. During the 1850s, Little Town was often referred to as "White Hair's Town," in honor of a resident of the village named Iron Hawk. Iron Hawk was named Grand Tsi Shu Chief (or Peace Chief) of the Osage Nation (through the 19th Century, it was traditional for the Osage Chief to take the name "White Hair".)

A study of the baptismal records of the Jesuits at Osage Mission reveals that several white or mixed white and Osage families lived in or near Little Town before the Civil War. Several mixed white and Cherokee families also lived in or near the present site of Little Town, likely just east of the village in the Cherokee Neutral Lands or to the south, near Chetopa.

One family of mixed Osage blood that lived at Little Town before the Civil War was the John Allen Mathews family, who operated a blacksmith/gunsmith shop on the site and ran a trading post here, as well as one at Osage Mission and one at Fort Gibson. Mathews first purchased the trading post at Little Town from Augustus Chouteau in either 1838 or 1843, depending upon the source. Mathews was married to Mary Ann Williams until her death and then to her sister Sarah Jane Williams, daughters of William Sherley Williams, better known as "Old Bill Williams" and his Osage wife, A-Ci'n-Ga or Wind Blossom.

Mathews was a slaveholder from Kentucky, as evidenced by the baptismal records of the Osage Mission. Before the Civil War, Mathews was involved in driving off settlers from the adjacent Cherokee Neutral Lands and in stirring Southern sympathies among Native Americans living on the frontier. Early in the spring of 1861, Mathews was commissioned a captain in the Confederate Army and given orders to organize a company of soldiers from among sympathetic Native Americans, specifically, the Quapaw. In June 1861, he held a meeting at the house of Larkin McGhee in the nearby Osage village of Chetopa and organized a company of Osages and mixed-blood Cherokees for the Confederate Army. One of his sons, John Mathews, Jr. joined this company. September 8, 1861, Mathews led another company, this one made up of Osages, mixed-blooded Osages and Cherokees, and border ruffians. This second company raided and looted Humboldt, Kansas, capturing no less than a dozen freed slaves. James Lane put a $1000.00 bounty on the head of Mathews, who was soon betrayed by a man who worked at his ranch. The man helped James G. Blunt and the Kansas 6th Volunteer Cavalry (and the Humboldt Home Guard) track down Mathews. He was killed at the house of William Blythe, rented by Lewis Rogers, just southeast of Chetopa on the Cherokee Neutral Lands. The next day, local residents were tried by James G. Blunt in an impromptu court martial. Mathews' ranch and trading post at Little Town were subsequently burned. The ranch had consisted of a two story double log cabin (covered with burr siding and sporting plastered walls), a blacksmith shop, a stable, slaves quarters, a well house, a smoke house, a woodshed, and other outbuildings, as well as two race tracks. He had title to 100 acre on the bluff and 30 acre below. He had no less than 100 head of cattle and 50 horses. His possessions and the stock of the trading post (including 50 buffalo robes and six bear skins) were distributed among the volunteers who had tracked him down. Little Town and many houses at Chetopa were also burned. The site of Little Town remained unoccupied by whites during the war. Most, but not all, of the Osages fled Kansas during the Civil War. Mathews's own children fled to Texas and Kentucky.

In 1865, a number of settlers located at this point and called the town "Little Town." Two years later, the Oswego town company was organized and so named for Oswego, New York, whence many of the settlers had come. Lots were given away to every person who would erect a building, with the result that the town grew very rapidly. The organization of Oswego as a city of the third class took place in February 1870. The town was made a city of the second class by proclamation of the governor in 1880.

The first frame house was put up by Dr. William S. Newlon in September 1865. The first frame store building was erected by Thomas J. Buntain, though the first store was opened in a log building in 1865 by Rexford & Elsbee. The post office was established in 1867 with Nelson Carr as postmaster. At that time, there were two provision stores, since Oswego was on the military road. M. George had opened a blacksmith shop and D.W. Clover a hotel, which was not only an inn for the public, but the county headquarters, a political rendezvous and a news center. This was the second hotel, the first having been built in 1866 by William A. Hogaboom. In 1868, Mr. Shanks operated the first pottery and made several kilns of stoneware; a cotton gin was set up the same year. The first bank was opened in 1868 by W. M. Johnson, who was forced two years later to make an assignment of all that he had to satisfy his creditors. The second bank was started in July 1870 by B. F. Hibart and H. L. Taylor, which was a success. The State Bank of Oswego started business a few weeks later, but discontinued after a short time, as there was not business enough for two banks. In September 1870, a steam sawmill was erected by Macon, Krell & Cowell.

The first newspaper was the Oswego Register, established in 1868 by E.R. Trask. The first church was the Congregational, organized in May 1868; the Presbyterian church was founded in July of the same year. The first school was opened in 1867. The public library association was organized in 1877 and continues in the form of Oswego Public Library, a Carnegie Library, today. The telephone system was put into operation in 1882, the waterworks in 1887, and the first electric lights were turned on July 12, 1888 (but were turned off a few months later).

In 2011, the City Council voted to annex city-owned Oswego Municipal Airport into the city limits, expanding Oswego into neighboring Cherokee County.

Geography
Oswego is located approximately 12 mi north of the Oklahoma state line and 30 mi west of the Missouri line. It is situated along the southern bluffs overlooking the Neosho River valley at the junction of U.S. Route 59 and U.S. Route 160. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.30 sqmi, of which, 2.24 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Oswego has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 1,668 people, 678 households, and 427 families in Oswego. The population density was 692.7 per square mile (267.4/km$2$). There were 797 housing units at an average density of 331.0 per square mile (127.8/km$2$). The racial makeup was 86.39% (1,441) white or European American (84.83% non-Hispanic white), 1.62% (27) black or African-American, 2.64% (44) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.12% (2) Asian, 0.18% (3) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.14% (19) from other races, and 7.91% (132) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.96% (66) of the population.

Of the 678 households, 26.3% had children under the age of 18; 45.9% were married couples living together; 27.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 31.9% of households consisted of individuals and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.7. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 12.8% of the population.

23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.0 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $42,237 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,158) and the median family income was $48,333 (+/- $8,546). Males had a median income of $36,065 (+/- $3,660) versus $21,083 (+/- $4,872) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,337 (+/- $3,138). Approximately, 5.5% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,829 people, 763 households, and 476 families residing in the city. The population density was 816.5 PD/sqmi. There were 869 housing units at an average density of 387.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.3% White, 1.5% African American, 3.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 763 households, of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.6% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 19.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,046 people, 776 households, and 489 families residing in the city. The population density was 956.9 PD/sqmi. There were 890 housing units at an average density of 416.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.30% White, 3.32% Black or African American, 1.42% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.88% from other races, and 2.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 776 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,656, and the median income for a family was $38,631. Males had a median income of $26,289 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,974. About 8.5% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.9% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

Primary and secondary education
The community is served by Oswego USD 504 public school district with four schools, serves more than 500 students.
 * Oswego Junior Senior High School, grades 7-12 (following a major expansion of the Tomahawk Trail campus, the former Oswego Middle School (grades 6-8) and the former Oswego High School (grades 9-12) were combined into a single attendance center serving grades 7-12).
 * Service Valley Charter Academy, a public agricultural charter school, grades K–8
 * Neosho Heights Elementary School, grades PK–6

College
Parsons, Kansas-based Labette Community College holds classes on the Oswego High School site.

Pittsburg State University, an NCAA Division II school in the Kansas Board of Regents system, is located approximately thirty miles away in nearby Pittsburg, Kansas.

Museums
The Oswego Historical Museum and Genealogy Department, owned by the Oswego Historical Society, Inc., offers guided museum tours featuring period-style theme rooms, genealogical research, and tours of an original log cabin, a partially reconstructed building original to the Oswego townsite.

Libraries
Each of the USD 504 building sites includes a library for student access. These school libraries provided extended services such as inter-library loan through Southeast Kansas Library System and access to Internet2 and online databases through Kan-ed, a service sponsored by the State of Kansas.

The community of Oswego is served by the Oswego Public Library (OPL), a Carnegie Library. OPL offers a vast collection of books, DVDs, periodicals, audio books, and videos. Internet access is also available through the use of patron-access computers or the Library's free Wi-Fi access.

Medical
Until 2019, Oswego was served by Oswego Community Hospital (OCH), a twelve-bed Critical Access hospital administered by HMC/CAH, Inc. and supported by Via Christi Hospital (Pittsburg) of Pittsburg, Kansas and Labette Health of Parsons. OCH had a contractual agreement with Eagle-Med to provide Air Ambulance services to any local or regional hospital.

On February 13, 2019, Oswego Community Hospital abruptly closed its doors, "citing [a] failure to expand Medicaid" and "low patient volumes." However, later in 2019, then-Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced his office had executed a search warrant as part of a broader investigation of the hospital's operator, EmpowerHMS. In June 2020, federal indictments were unsealed, revealing that several persons associated with EmpowerHMS were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for their alleged role in a $1.4 billion fraudulent billing scheme. In April 2020, the hospital's assets, including the former hospital site, a former clinic location, and other real estate, were purchased out of bankruptcy by Oswego NeuroPsych Hospital, Inc.

Labette Health of Parsons, in conjunction with the Labette County Health Department, provides emergency ambulatory services to the hospital best-qualified to treat each patient.

Labette Health and Via Christi Hospital of Pittsburg, Kansas provide the closest Level III Trauma Centers, the only two emergency rooms to achieve Level III rating in the State of Kansas.

Two Level II Trauma Centers, Mercy Hospital Joplin and Freeman Health System, are located approximately thirty-five miles away in the regional hub of Joplin, Missouri, while the closest Level I Trauma Centers are in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Recreation
Oswego is home to five city-maintained parks.
 * Riverside Park
 * Schmoker Park
 * John Mathews Park (Little Town Well)
 * Hobart Young Park
 * Thomas Park (Log Cabin)

Riverside Park
Riverside Park is Oswego's flagship park property. Located on 80 acre near the north boundary of the city, Riverside Park overlooks the 100 ft bluff that defines Oswego. It is home to the Labette County Fairgrounds, the 10,000 sqft Oswego Community Center, the historic Oswego City Pool, shelter houses, walking trails, RV campgrounds, and playground equipment. Riverside Park also includes tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and two baseball/softball fields, as well as ample parking.

Many of the stone structures were built in the 1930s as part of a series of State of Kansas public works employment projects.

Oswego City Pool
Built in 1935 to service the entire Southeast Kansas region, Oswego City Pool continues to serve the citizens of Oswego using its historic facilities. In the late 2000s, the National Park Service provided a grant to the City of Oswego to replace the concrete deck surrounding the pool, as well as the protective chain link fence. Work was also done to replace the aging diving board stands and water slide.

Oswego Community Center
Built in 2006 as part of Community Development Grant funded through the Kansas Department of Commerce, the 10,000 sqft facility plays host to a number of community events, including weddings, county fair exhibits, and community luncheons.

Labette County Fairgrounds
Encompassing the southern portion of Riverside Park, the Labette County Fairgrounds are host to many barns, exhibit halls, and Memorial Stadium. The Stadium was once used by the Oswego High School football program, and now used for the Fair's demolition derby.

Oswego Golf Course
Located just north of Oswego on U.S. Highway 59, Oswego Golf Course provides a nine-hole green. It was featured on television in 2006 by Jim Huber when PGA on Tour visited the course.

Media
Labette Avenue is a weekly paper that covers mostly local stories and events. The newspaper is a continuation of the historic Oswego Independent and other local weekly newspapers. Labette Avenue is based in Oswego and serves the rural areas of Labette County, Kansas.

The daily Parsons Sun, of nearby Parsons, Kansas, also covers Oswego. The nearest major newspaper is the Joplin Globe.

Oswego is located in the Joplin-Pittsburg broadcast market area and receives the majority of its television and radio signals from those two cities. KGGF 690 AM Coffeyville covers SE Kansas and Broadcasts from its tower site in Mound Valley.

Rail
Oswego is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad, a shortline railroad operating on former Frisco Railway trackage that provides direct connections to BNSF Railway and the Kansas City Southern Railway.

Road
U.S. Federal Highways U.S. 160 and U.S. 59 meet in Oswego. The city is located approximately 35 mi from Interstate 44.

Air
Oswego Municipal Airport, located approximately 3 mi outside the central business district, serves the general aviation needs of Oswego and the surrounding area. Fuel is available for purchase on-site.

Notable people

 * Arthur Evans, third president of Henry Kendall College and then the second president of the University of Oklahoma.
 * Candy Loving, model and Playboy Playmate of the Month for January 1979, born in Oswego.
 * Bishop Perkins, United States Representative and Senator.
 * Carson Robison, country music singer and songwriter.
 * William Steel, father of Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, his family lived on a farm near Oswego.

title: Oswego, Kansas


text:
Parsons, Kansas

Parsons is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 9,600. It is the most populous city of Labette County, and the second-most populous city in the southeastern region of Kansas. It is home to Labette Community College and the Parsons State Hospital & Training Center.

History

Parsons was named after Levi Parsons, president of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Railroad. The town was founded in 1870 and incorporated the following year by the railroad. The location for the town was chosen because it was on a flat ridge between the Labette Creek and Little Labette Creek and provided an ideal site for where the two branches of the railroad being built from Junction City, Kansas and Sedalia, Missouri would meet. The creeks were soon dammed to provide a water source. The railroad commenced building a massive rail yard, foundry, and locomotive shop at Parsons; for many years this was the third largest railroad facility west of the Mississippi River, with only Kansas City and Los Angeles being larger. Settlers from nearby towns uprooted and moved to Parsons, and new settlers arrived on every incoming train. Parsons soon became a major hub for several railroads, including the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, the Parsons and Pacific Railroad, the Kansas City and Pacific Railroad, and the Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railroad. In the early part of the twentieth century, Parsons operated its own street car system, and also had an interurban electric railroad connecting it to the nearby cities of Cherryvale, Independence, Coffeyville, and Nowata. During World War II it was home to the Kansas Ordnance Plant, which later operated for some years as the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant. In Spring of 2005, the munitions plant was placed on the BRAC list for closure. The community has rallied behind the current plant operator, Day & Zimmerman, to keep the company on the grounds after closure and to keep those jobs and more in the Parsons area. (See link to "Great Plains Industrial Park" in "External Links", below)

Hospitals
Parsons is also home to the Parsons State Hospital & Training Center, which has been in operation since 1903 when it was opened as the Kansas State Hospital for Epileptics.

In 1957 the hospital was renamed Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. At that time it began providing programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Hospital occupies 43 buildings on 163 acre. The hospital also includes residential services, the University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Parsons Research Center for the University of Kansas, the Special Purpose School of the Southeast Regional Education Service Center. The Southeast Kansas Agricultural Research Center of Kansas State University is also located on the grounds, as is the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter, Southeast Kansas Regional Office.

Parsons is also home to Labette County Medical Center.

Library
The first library began as a subscription library in 1904 and was located in city hall. Parsons Public Library, a Carnegie library, opened on May 18, 1909. A new library opened on April 18, 1977, and the former library has since been renovated to become a visual and performing arts center.

Industry
The sale of Katy Industries to Union Pacific, in 1988, eventually saw the loss of scores of railroad jobs and, in effect, severed a major part of Parsons' city history which stretched back to its 1871 incorporation. While, in return, the city received a million dollars to help it recover (and so that it would not file lengthy paperwork opposing the sale and thus delaying it), that money is kept in a fund by the city government, which uses the accrued interest on economic development projects. The only reminder of the Katy Railroad is now found in the local historical society's museum, the annual Katy Days Festival and of course the tracks, over which trains now speed through Parsons. The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant also was down scaled in the 1980s.

2000-2020
On April 19, 2000, an F3 tornado cut a devastating path of destruction through the center of Parsons. About 700 homes were damaged and about 100 destroyed, about 60 businesses were damaged and 11 destroyed.

On June 5, 2006 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Parsons a 2006 Great American Main Street Award winner for its successful efforts in revitalizing its downtown area through historic preservation. The award was presented during the 2006 National Main Streets Conference in New Orleans. Parsons was one of only five cities receiving the 2006 award. Parsons is the home of Dwayne's Photo, which became the last processor of K-14 Kodachrome film in the world and was the location of the final frame taken on the final roll of Kodachrome film produced. Parsons is featured prominently in the plot of the 2017 Netflix movie Kodachrome about a man who takes a road trip to develop a roll of Kodachrome film.

Film
The motion picture ZombieGeddon (2003) was filmed in Parsons in July 2002.

Geography
Parsons is located at 37.33917°N, -95.26972°W (37.339070, -95.269747). The city is at the junction of U.S. Route 59 and U.S. Route 400. Along US-59, the city of Erie (the county seat of Neosho County) is 17 mi to the north and Oswego (the county seat of Labette County) is 20 mi south and east. Big Hill Lake is several miles to the west of the city, and Lake Parsons is situated northwest of the city.

The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant (KSAAP) is located southeast of the city. The facility was completed in 1942 to support World War II operations and consists of 21 separate facilities over 13727 acre. The installation is actively used as a munitions loading, assembly, and packing facility.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.70 sqmi, of which 10.61 sqmi is land and 0.09 sqmi is water.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 9,600 people, 4,015 households, and 2,251 families in Parsons. The population density was 903.0 per square mile (348.7/km$2$). There were 4,776 housing units at an average density of 449.3 per square mile (173.5/km$2$). The racial makeup was 75.28% (7,227) white or European American (72.51% non-Hispanic white), 8.0% (768) black or African-American, 1.67% (160) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.74% (71) Asian, 0.02% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.15% (206) from other races, and 12.15% (1,166) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.05% (677) of the population.

Of the 4,015 households, 29.3% had children under the age of 18; 33.1% were married couples living together; 33.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 36.6% of households consisted of individuals and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 15.6% of the population.

24.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.7 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $41,091 (with a margin of error of +/- $6,793) and the median family income was $54,735 (+/- $6,393). Males had a median income of $30,510 (+/- $3,819) versus $24,658 (+/- $2,536) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,206 (+/- $1,968). Approximately, 13.5% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.3% of those under the age of 18 and 16.8% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,500 people, 4,351 households, and 2,586 families living in the city. The population density was 989.6 PD/sqmi. There were 5,034 housing units at an average density of 474.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.3% White, 18.6% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.7% of the population.

There were 4,351 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.6% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 37.8 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the U.S. Census in 2000, there were 11,514 people, 4,738 households, and 2,909 families living in the city. The population density was 1,111.2 PD/sqmi. There were 5,359 housing units at an average density of 517.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.54% White, 8.17% Black or African American, 1.12% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.90% from other races, and 2.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.64% of the population.

There were 4,738 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,345, and the median income for a family was $36,557. Males had a median income of $28,667 versus $21,558 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,763. About 9.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Events
Katy Days is an annual festival held Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, also known as "the Katy" railroad. The founders of the festival are Mary and Pete Hughes. Activities are held in Forest Park, the largest community park in Parsons, and typically include live music, food trucks, and a parade.

College

 * Labette Community College

Public
Parsons USD 503 public school district serves most of the city of Parsons:
 * Parsons Senior High School (9-12)
 * Parsons Middle School (6-8)
 * Guthridge Elementary (4-5)
 * Garfield Elementary (2-3)
 * Lincoln Elementary (PreK-1)

Labette County USD 506 public school district serves southern and western parts of the city of Parsons:
 * Meadow View Elementary (K-8)

Erie-Galesburg USD 101 public school district serves north of Parsons.

Private

 * St. Patrick Catholic School (PreK-8)

Library
The first public library building in Parsons was the Carnegie Library, established in 1909. The Parsons Public Library moved to a modern facility in 1977.

Points of interest

 * Parsons Arboretum
 * Tri-City Airport
 * Big Hill Lake
 * Lake Parsons
 * Neosho State Fishing Lake
 * Oakwood Cemetery
 * Parsons Historical Society Museum
 * Forest Park

Notable people

 * Gilbert Baker, civil rights activist and creator of the pride flag
 * Fred Bradley, Major League Baseball pitcher
 * Gil Britton, Major League Baseball player
 * Jamie Anne (Brown) Allman, actress
 * Buck Clayton aka Wilbur Dorsey Clayton, jazz musician
 * William Coffin Coleman, founder of the Coleman Company, and mayor of Wichita, Kansas
 * William W. Cranston, civil war soldier and medal of honor recipient
 * Walter Davidson, Sr., co-founder of Harley-Davidson Motor Company
 * Pintip Dunn, author of young adult fiction
 * Alfred B. Fairfax, Kansas politician and pastor
 * Fletcher Flora, author
 * Myron V. George, U.S. congressman
 * Derrel Gofourth, NFL offensive lineman
 * Bill Guthridge, college basketball coach
 * George Harvey, professional football player
 * Clancy Hayes, jazz musician
 * Shaun Hill, NFL quarterback
 * Jeff Kready, Broadway and television actor
 * Roland Lakes, Wichita State and NFL lineman
 * David J. Leland, polititian and jurist
 * Deb Miller, Kansas Secretary of Transportation (2003–2012)
 * Ajit Pai, former FCC Chairman
 * George Pepperdine, founder of Western Auto and Pepperdine University
 * ZaSu Pitts, film and television actress and comedian
 * Payne Harry Ratner, Kansas Governor
 * Clyde M. Reed, Kansas Governor and U.S. Senator
 * Nell Donnelly Reed, businesswoman
 * T. Claude Ryan, aviator, aerospace engineer
 * Dan Smith, major league baseball player
 * Joe Tinker, major league baseball player and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee
 * Clark Tippet, ballet dancer and choreographer
 * Levi Watkins, heart surgeon and civil rights activist
 * Ella B. Ensor Wilson, social reformer

title: Parsons, Kansas


text:
Dighton, Kansas

Dighton is a city in and the county seat of Lane County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 960. Dighton is named for Dick Dighton, a surveyor.

19th century
The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acre of land in the American West, previously owned by railroads, to homesteaders who could live on the land for five years. Drawn west by the promise of free, fertile land, pioneer settlers arrived in Kansas starting in 1869. In 1879, W.A. Watson arrived at the town site, and a post office was established. In 1885, there were three houses and seven voters in town. Lane County became a county in 1886, with Dighton as its county seat. By 1900, the population was 194, and by 1910 it had grown to 370, and the town had banks; a flour mill; a grain elevator; two newspapers; public schools; a hotel; merchants; Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist churches; telegraph service; a band and telephones.

Life was difficult for the early pioneers, who built houses made of sod and found that the land was quite dry, and not as fertile as they had been led to believe. A song written by Frank Baker, the Lane County Bachelor, became a popular folk song throughout the western United States.

20th century
On May 23, 1928, the Fleagle Gang arrived in Dighton after robbing the First National Bank of Lamar, Colorado. Needing medical attention, they kidnapped local doctor W.W. Wineinger, and later shot him and dumped his body into a ravine.

The courtroom mural, "The First House of Lane County," by Mary Alice Bosley, was featured in Kansas Murals: A Traveler's Guide, by Jost and Loewenstein.

Geography
Dighton is located at the intersection of K-96 and K-23.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.88 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
The 2020 United States census counted 960 people, 461 households, and 244 families in Dighton. The population density was 1,107.3 per square mile (427.5/km$2$). There were 550 housing units at an average density of 634.4 per square mile (244.9/km$2$). The racial makeup was 88.44% (849) white or European American (85.62% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.42% (4) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.21% (2) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 4.38% (42) from other races, and 6.56% (63) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.25% (108) of the population.

Of the 461 households, 25.2% had children under the age of 18; 42.7% were married couples living together; 28.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 44.7% of households consisted of individuals and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 3.0. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 14.1% of the population.

20.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 20.6% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.2 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $40,962 (with a margin of error of +/- $28,238) and the median family income was $80,368 (+/- $7,386). Males had a median income of $34,917 (+/- $5,124) versus $24,464 (+/- $10,724) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,920 (+/- $6,548). Approximately, 8.2% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under the age of 18 and 3.0% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,038 people, 506 households, and 282 families residing in the city. The population density was 1179.5 PD/sqmi. There were 615 housing units at an average density of 698.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 506 households, of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.3% were non-families. 41.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 46.2 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.1% were from 25 to 44; 28.8% were from 45 to 64; and 22.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,261 people, 563 households, and 342 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,438.9 PD/sqmi. There were 653 housing units at an average density of 745.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.07% White, 0.16% Asian, 0.63% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population.

There were 563 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.1% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,500, and the median income for a family was $40,987. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $19,464 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,232. About 6.5% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Dighton USD 482 public school district, which operates two schools in Dighton, the Dighton Jr/Sr High School and the Dighton Elementary School.

The Lane County Library is based in Dighton.

title: Dighton, Kansas