McPherson County, Kansas

McPherson County (standard abbreviation: MP) is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 29,180.[1] The largest city and county seat is McPherson.[2] The county is named for Civil War General James B. McPherson.[3]

McPherson County
County
Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
Kansas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°24′N 97°42′W
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedFebruary 26, 1867
Named forJames B. McPherson
SeatMcPherson
Largest cityMcPherson
Area
 • Total901 sq mi (2,330 km2)
 • Land898 sq mi (2,330 km2)
 • Water2.3 sq mi (6 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total29,180
 • Estimate 
(2018)
28,537
 • Density32/sq mi (13/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitemcphersoncountyks.us

History

Early history
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
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.[4] 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.[5] The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The line from Florence to Marion, was abandoned in 1968.[6] 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.[7] 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

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
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.[8]

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
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%
2018 (est.)28,537[9]−2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2016[1]
Age pyramid

The McPherson Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of McPherson County.

As of the census[14] 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/km2). There were 11,830 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/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

Presidential elections

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 Elections Results
Presidential Elections Results[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2016 67.1% 8,549 25.3% 3,226 7.6% 967
2012 69.5% 8,545 28.1% 3,449 2.5% 303
2008 66.8% 8,937 31.5% 4,218 1.7% 231
2004 71.8% 9,595 26.9% 3,589 1.4% 183
2000 68.2% 8,501 26.3% 3,272 5.5% 688
1996 63.2% 8,142 27.5% 3,536 9.4% 1,205
1992 44.2% 5,745 28.1% 3,645 27.7% 3,601
1988 58.8% 6,563 39.0% 4,354 2.2% 247
1984 71.9% 8,630 26.5% 3,185 1.6% 189
1980 58.8% 6,843 28.7% 3,340 12.5% 1,448
1976 57.3% 3,519 40.4% 2,483 2.3% 138
1972 70.6% 7,457 27.0% 2,858 2.4% 254
1968 65.0% 6,420 29.3% 2,893 5.7% 567
1964 45.6% 4,483 52.7% 5,173 1.7% 170
1960 73.6% 7,920 25.8% 2,774 0.6% 65
1956 73.8% 7,521 25.5% 2,603 0.7% 74
1952 74.6% 8,053 22.0% 2,371 3.5% 374
1948 57.5% 5,952 37.5% 3,879 5.0% 513
1944 62.3% 5,840 35.4% 3,321 2.3% 211
1940 60.2% 6,732 37.9% 4,240 1.8% 204
1936 43.0% 4,744 56.6% 6,256 0.4% 46
1932 43.7% 4,098 53.4% 5,003 2.9% 276
1928 80.0% 6,230 18.7% 1,457 1.3% 102
1924 66.0% 5,128 19.7% 1,530 14.3% 1,113
1920 69.5% 4,870 27.5% 1,926 3.0% 211
1916 47.6% 3,806 46.8% 3,737 5.6% 451
1912 9.8% 455 35.3% 1,639 54.9% 2,553
1908 57.4% 2,708 40.4% 1,905 2.3% 106
1904 72.7% 2,991 18.8% 773 8.5% 349
1900 54.6% 2,640 43.9% 2,121 1.5% 73
1896 48.9% 2,269 50.1% 2,324 1.0% 44
1892 48.4% 2,294 51.6% 2,444[lower-alpha 1]
1888 51.7% 2,279 18.8% 829 29.5% 1,300

Laws

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.[16]

Education

Colleges

Unified school districts
School district office in neighboring county

Museums

Communities
2005 KDOT Map of McPherson County (map legend)

Cities

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated communities

Ghost towns
  • Battle Hill
  • Christian
  • Doles Park
  • Elivon
  • King City
  • Sweadal

Townships

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.
TownshipFIPSPopulation
center		 PopulationPopulation
density
/km2 (/sq mi)		 Land area
km2 (sq mi)		Water area
km2 (sq mi)		Water % Geographic coordinates
Battle Hill04550911 (3)93 (36)0 (0)0.33%38°29′2″N 97°25′22″W
Bonaville07925661 (2)93 (36)0 (0)0.34%38°32′57″N 97°30′34″W
Canton105001,09012 (30)93 (36)0 (0)0.02%38°23′21″N 97°25′36″W
Castle109502252 (6)93 (36)0 (0)0.12%38°23′9″N 97°52′44″W
Delmore175751381 (4)93 (36)0 (0)0.15%38°28′43″N 97°33′17″W
Empire212001,17813 (33)94 (36)0 (0)0%38°23′12″N 97°32′7″W
Groveland291502342 (6)94 (36)0 (0)0.12%38°17′55″N 97°44′37″W
Gypsum Creek293252152 (6)93 (36)0 (0)0.11%38°33′32″N 97°26′12″W
Harper302251371 (4)93 (36)0 (0)0.17%38°28′55″N 97°45′50″W
Hayes309502873 (8)94 (36)0 (0)0%38°17′55″N 97°52′54″W
Jackson348501982 (6)93 (36)0 (0)0.49%38°22′33″N 97°46′48″W
King City369005446 (15)93 (36)0 (0)0.13%38°18′51″N 97°39′8″W
Little Valley416004755 (13)93 (36)0 (0)0.02%38°13′38″N 97°52′32″W
Lone Tree425254865 (13)94 (36)0 (0)0%38°17′37″N 97°32′48″W
McPherson439756188 (21)77 (30)0 (0)0.23%38°23′24″N 97°38′57″W
Marquette449507768 (22)93 (36)0 (0)0.16%38°33′9″N 97°51′30″W
Meridian459753414 (9)94 (36)0 (0)0%38°12′43″N 97°26′8″W
Mound486752,10423 (59)93 (36)0 (0)0.17%38°12′24″N 97°31′22″W
New Gottland503503544 (10)93 (36)0 (0)0.38%38°28′29″N 97°38′21″W
Smoky Hill660252973 (9)89 (34)0 (0)0.05%38°34′35″N 97°38′59″W
South Sharps Creek670001121 (3)93 (36)0 (0)0.18%38°28′21″N 97°52′11″W
Spring Valley677503734 (10)94 (36)0 (0)0.03%38°18′2″N 97°25′21″W
Superior694751,64018 (46)92 (36)1 (0)0.72%38°13′28″N 97°46′1″W
Turkey Creek717002943 (8)93 (36)0 (0)0%38°13′10″N 97°38′23″W
Union722251902 (5)93 (36)0 (0)0.20%38°33′12″N 97°44′59″W

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 6, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 195.
  4. Marion County Kansas: Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972.
  5. Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners for the Year Ending December 1, 1886 in State of Kansas; Kansas Publishing House; 1886.
  6. Railway Abandonment 1968
  7. "Rock Island Rail History". Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  10. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  11. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  12. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  13. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  14. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  15. http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS
  16. "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. November 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-10-08. Retrieved 2007-12-26.
Notes
  1. 2,335 votes (49.28 percent) were for Populist James B. Weaver (who was supported by the state’s Democrats) and 109 (2.30 percent) for Prohibition Party candidate John Bidwell.

Further reading
See also: List of books about State of Kansas (which includes historical information about its counties and cities too)
See also: List of books about Santa Fe Trail
County
Trails
Mennonite Settlements
County
Maps

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