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McPherson County, Kansas

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McPherson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and largest city is McPherson.[3] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 30,223.[1] The county was named for James McPherson, a general in the American Civil War.[4]

McPherson County
County
McPherson County Courthouse in McPherson (2023)
McPherson County Courthouse in McPherson (2023)
Map of Kansas highlighting McPherson County
Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
Map of the United States highlighting Kansas
Kansas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°24′N 97°42′W / 38.4°N 97.7°W / 38.4; -97.7
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedFebruary 26, 1867
Named forJames B. McPherson
SeatMcPherson
Largest cityMcPherson
Area
 • Total
901 sq mi (2,330 km2)
 • Land898 sq mi (2,330 km2)
 • Water2.3 sq mi (6 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total
30,223
 • Estimate 
(2023)[2]
30,091 Decrease
 • Density33.7/sq mi (13.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitemcphersoncountyks.us

History

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Early history

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See also: History of Kansas

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau. In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, but keeping title to about 7,500 square miles.

In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre. In 1848, after the Mexican–American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with Spain brought into the United States all or part of land for ten future states, including southwest Kansas. In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state.

19th century

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1845 Santa Fe Trail crossing McPherson County
 
1915–1918 railroad map of McPherson County

From the 1820s to 1870s, the Santa Fe Trail passed through, what is now McPherson County. The trail entered the county, east of Canton, then south of Galva, then north of Inman, and west towards Lyons. In 1855, Charles O. Fuller established a ranch adjacent to the Running Turkey Creek Crossing about two miles south and one mile east of Galva. Fuller's Ranch provided accommodations for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail and was probably the first white settlement in McPherson County.

Peketon County was established in 1860, by the passage of a bill by S. N. Wood: An act to establish Peketon County. Section 1. - That all that territory west of the sixth principal meridian and south of Township 16, in Kansas Territory, be and the same is hereby erected into a county, to be known by the name of Peketon County. On February 17, 1865, Peketon County was abolished, and McPherson County was made a part of Marion County, which extended from the west line of Chase County to the present western boundary of Kansas.

In 1868, Solomon Stephens and L. N. Holmberg were appointed Justices of the Peace—the first officers in what is now McPherson County. The next year (1869) occurred the first election for the township, now the county of McPherson. McPherson was regularly organized as a county in the spring of 1870, a mass meeting being held at Sweadal. Sweadal, the county seat thus selected, was located about one mile and a half southwest of the present site of Lindsborg. In September, however, the County Commissioners resolved to meet at the latter place, McPherson which had already been located some two years.

In April 1873, a petition was filed for the county seat re-location. It was signed by 483 voters, and a special election was accordingly ordered for June 10. Upon that day, McPherson received 605 votes, New Gottland 325, King City 3 and Lindsborg 1; McPherson's majority over all, 276. In May the McPherson Town Company had offered, as an inducement for the location of the county seat at this point, the free use of rooms for ten years, and the donation of two squares of land on the town site. The offer was accepted the next month, the County Commissioners selecting blocks 56 and 65. Thus the county seat was established at McPherson and has remained since.

As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company.[5] In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence to McPherson, in 1880 it was extended to Lyons, in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood.[6] The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The line from Florence to Marion, was abandoned in 1968.[7] In 1992, the line from Marion to McPherson was sold to Central Kansas Railway. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence, Marion, Canada, Hillsboro, Lehigh, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Conway, Windom, Little River, Mitchell, Lyons, Chase, then connected with the original AT&SF main line at Ellinwood.

In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway extended its main line from Herington to Pratt.[8] This main line connected Herington, Ramona, Tampa, Durham, Waldeck, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Groveland, Inman, Medora, Hutchinson, Whiteside, Partridge, Arlington, Langdon, Turon, Preston, Natrona, Pratt. In 1888, this main line was extended to Liberal. Later, this line was extended to Tucumcari, New Mexico and Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where it made a connection with the Southern Pacific from El Paso, Texas. The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was absorbed by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway. This line is also called the "Golden State Route".

20th century

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The National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and was routed through Windom, Conway, McPherson.

Geography

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Windom, Kansas in McPherson County during the early 20th century

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 901 square miles (2,330 km2), of which 898 square miles (2,330 km2) is land and 2.3 square miles (6.0 km2) (0.3%) is water.[9]

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Demographics

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Population pyramid based on 2000 census age data
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870738—
188017,1432,222.9%
189021,61426.1%
190021,421−0.9%
191021,5210.5%
192021,8451.5%
193023,5888.0%
194024,1522.4%
195023,670−2.0%
196024,2852.6%
197024,7782.0%
198026,8558.4%
199027,2681.5%
200029,5548.4%
201029,180−1.3%
202030,2233.6%
2023 (est.)30,091[10]−0.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790-1960[12] 1900-1990[13]
1990-2000[14] 2010-2020[1]

The McPherson Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of McPherson County.

2000 census

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As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 29,554 people, 11,205 households, and 7,966 families residing in the county. The population density was 33 people per square mile (13 people/km2). There were 11,830 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5.0/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.53% White, 0.81% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. 1.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 37.1% were of German, 12.9% Swedish, 12.1% American, 6.7% English and 6.3% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 11,205 households, out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.50% were married couples living together, 6.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.90% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.80% 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 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.40% under the age of 18, 10.30% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $41,138, and the median income for a family was $48,243. Males had a median income of $33,530 versus $21,175 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,921. About 4.20% of families and 6.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.20% of those under age 18 and 8.10% of those age 65 or over.

Government

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Presidential elections

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McPherson county is often carried by Republican candidates. The last time a Democratic candidate has carried this county was in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson.

Presidential election results
United States presidential election results for McPherson County, Kansas[16]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 9,552 69.63% 3,911 28.51% 255 1.86%
2020 9,964 69.01% 4,134 28.63% 340 2.35%
2016 8,549 67.09% 3,226 25.32% 967 7.59%
2012 8,545 69.49% 3,449 28.05% 303 2.46%
2008 8,937 66.76% 4,218 31.51% 231 1.73%
2004 9,595 71.78% 3,589 26.85% 183 1.37%
2000 8,501 68.22% 3,272 26.26% 688 5.52%
1996 8,142 63.20% 3,536 27.45% 1,205 9.35%
1992 5,745 44.22% 3,645 28.06% 3,601 27.72%
1988 6,563 58.79% 4,354 39.00% 247 2.21%
1984 8,630 71.89% 3,185 26.53% 189 1.57%
1980 6,843 58.83% 3,340 28.72% 1,448 12.45%
1976 3,519 57.31% 2,483 40.44% 138 2.25%
1972 7,457 70.56% 2,858 27.04% 254 2.40%
1968 6,420 64.98% 2,893 29.28% 567 5.74%
1964 4,483 45.62% 5,173 52.65% 170 1.73%
1960 7,920 73.61% 2,774 25.78% 65 0.60%
1956 7,521 73.75% 2,603 25.52% 74 0.73%
1952 8,053 74.58% 2,371 21.96% 374 3.46%
1948 5,952 57.54% 3,879 37.50% 513 4.96%
1944 5,840 62.31% 3,321 35.44% 211 2.25%
1940 6,732 60.24% 4,240 37.94% 204 1.83%
1936 4,744 42.95% 6,256 56.64% 46 0.42%
1932 4,098 43.70% 5,003 53.35% 276 2.94%
1928 6,230 79.98% 1,457 18.71% 102 1.31%
1924 5,128 65.99% 1,530 19.69% 1,113 14.32%
1920 4,870 69.50% 1,926 27.49% 211 3.01%
1916 3,806 47.61% 3,737 46.75% 451 5.64%
1912 455 9.79% 1,639 35.27% 2,553 54.94%
1908 2,708 57.39% 1,905 40.37% 106 2.25%
1904 2,991 72.72% 773 18.79% 349 8.49%
1900 2,640 54.61% 2,121 43.88% 73 1.51%
1896 2,269 48.93% 2,324 50.12% 44 0.95%
1892 2,294 48.42% 0 0.00% 2,444 51.58%
1888 2,279 51.70% 829 18.81% 1,300 29.49%

Laws

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Following amendment to the Kansas Constitution in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or "dry", county until 1996, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30 percent food sales requirement.[17]

Education

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Colleges

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Unified school districts

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School district office in neighboring county

Museums

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Communities

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2005 map of McPherson County[18] (map legend)

List of townships / incorporated cities / unincorporated communities / extinct former communities within McPherson County.[18]

Cities

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Unincorporated communities

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† means a community is designated a Census-Designated Place (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau.

Ghost towns

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Townships

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McPherson County is divided into twenty-five townships. The cities of Lindsborg and McPherson are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.

Sources: 2000 U.S. Gazetteer from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Township FIPS Population
center 		Population Population
density
/km2 (/sq mi) 		Land area
km2 (sq mi)		 Water area
km2 (sq mi)		 Water % Geographic coordinates
Battle Hill 04550 91 1 (3) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.33% 38°29′2″N 97°25′22″W / 38.48389°N 97.42278°W / 38.48389; -97.42278
Bonaville 07925 66 1 (2) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.34% 38°32′57″N 97°30′34″W / 38.54917°N 97.50944°W / 38.54917; -97.50944
Canton 10500 1,090 12 (30) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.02% 38°23′21″N 97°25′36″W / 38.38917°N 97.42667°W / 38.38917; -97.42667
Castle 10950 225 2 (6) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.12% 38°23′9″N 97°52′44″W / 38.38583°N 97.87889°W / 38.38583; -97.87889
Delmore 17575 138 1 (4) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.15% 38°28′43″N 97°33′17″W / 38.47861°N 97.55472°W / 38.47861; -97.55472
Empire 21200 1,178 13 (33) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°23′12″N 97°32′7″W / 38.38667°N 97.53528°W / 38.38667; -97.53528
Groveland 29150 234 2 (6) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.12% 38°17′55″N 97°44′37″W / 38.29861°N 97.74361°W / 38.29861; -97.74361
Gypsum Creek 29325 215 2 (6) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.11% 38°33′32″N 97°26′12″W / 38.55889°N 97.43667°W / 38.55889; -97.43667
Harper 30225 137 1 (4) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.17% 38°28′55″N 97°45′50″W / 38.48194°N 97.76389°W / 38.48194; -97.76389
Hayes 30950 287 3 (8) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°17′55″N 97°52′54″W / 38.29861°N 97.88167°W / 38.29861; -97.88167
Jackson 34850 198 2 (6) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.49% 38°22′33″N 97°46′48″W / 38.37583°N 97.78000°W / 38.37583; -97.78000
King City 36900 544 6 (15) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.13% 38°18′51″N 97°39′8″W / 38.31417°N 97.65222°W / 38.31417; -97.65222
Little Valley 41600 475 5 (13) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.02% 38°13′38″N 97°52′32″W / 38.22722°N 97.87556°W / 38.22722; -97.87556
Lone Tree 42525 486 5 (13) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°17′37″N 97°32′48″W / 38.29361°N 97.54667°W / 38.29361; -97.54667
McPherson 43975 618 8 (21) 77 (30) 0 (0) 0.23% 38°23′24″N 97°38′57″W / 38.39000°N 97.64917°W / 38.39000; -97.64917
Marquette 44950 776 8 (22) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.16% 38°33′9″N 97°51′30″W / 38.55250°N 97.85833°W / 38.55250; -97.85833
Meridian 45975 341 4 (9) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°12′43″N 97°26′8″W / 38.21194°N 97.43556°W / 38.21194; -97.43556
Mound 48675 2,104 23 (59) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.17% 38°12′24″N 97°31′22″W / 38.20667°N 97.52278°W / 38.20667; -97.52278
New Gottland 50350 354 4 (10) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.38% 38°28′29″N 97°38′21″W / 38.47472°N 97.63917°W / 38.47472; -97.63917
Smoky Hill 66025 297 3 (9) 89 (34) 0 (0) 0.05% 38°34′35″N 97°38′59″W / 38.57639°N 97.64972°W / 38.57639; -97.64972
South Sharps Creek 67000 112 1 (3) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.18% 38°28′21″N 97°52′11″W / 38.47250°N 97.86972°W / 38.47250; -97.86972
Spring Valley 67750 373 4 (10) 94 (36) 0 (0) 0.03% 38°18′2″N 97°25′21″W / 38.30056°N 97.42250°W / 38.30056; -97.42250
Superior 69475 1,640 18 (46) 92 (36) 1 (0) 0.72% 38°13′28″N 97°46′1″W / 38.22444°N 97.76694°W / 38.22444; -97.76694
Turkey Creek 71700 294 3 (8) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0% 38°13′10″N 97°38′23″W / 38.21944°N 97.63972°W / 38.21944; -97.63972
Union 72225 190 2 (5) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.20% 38°33′12″N 97°44′59″W / 38.55333°N 97.74972°W / 38.55333; -97.74972

See also

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Community information for Kansas

References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts; McPherson County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 16, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  2. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 195.
  5. ^ Marion County Kansas: Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972.
  6. ^ Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners for the Year Ending December 1, 1886 in State of Kansas; Kansas Publishing House; 1886.
  7. ^ Railway Abandonment 1968
  8. ^ "Rock Island Rail History". Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved April 18, 2011.
  9. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  13. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  16. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
  17. ^ "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. November 2006. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved December 26, 2007.
  18. ^ a b "General Highway Map of McPherson County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). November 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 9, 2023.
Notes

Further reading

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See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities
See also: List of books about Santa Fe Trail
  • Wheeler, Wayne Leland. "An Analysis of Social Change in a Swedish-Immigrant Community: The Case of Lindsborg, Kansas." (PhD dissertation, University of Missouri-Columbia; ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 1959. 5905657).
County
Trails
Mennonite Settlements
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County
Historical
Maps

38°24′N 97°40′W / 38.400°N 97.667°W / 38.400; -97.667

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