Barton County
County
Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend (1979)
Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend (1979)
Map of Kansas highlighting Barton 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°28′N 98°46′W / 38.467°N 98.767°W / 38.467; -98.767
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedFebruary 26, 1867
Named forClara Barton
SeatGreat Bend
Largest cityGreat Bend
Area
 • Total901 sq mi (2,330 km2)
 • Land895 sq mi (2,320 km2)
 • Water5.2 sq mi (13 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total25,493
 • Density28.5/sq mi (11.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code620
Congressional district1st
WebsiteBartonCounty.org

Barton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and most populous city is Great Bend.[2] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 25,493.[1] The county is named in honor of Clara Barton, responsible for the founding of the American Red Cross, and the only county in Kansas to be named for a woman.[3]

History

Early history

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.

19th century

1915 Railroad Map of Barton County

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 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1867, Barton County was established and named for Clara Barton. It is the only Kansas county named for a woman.[4]

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, Ellinwood.

21st century

In 2001, an F4 tornado hit Hoisington during Hoisington High School's prom.

Geography

Barton County was drawn in the shape of a 30-by-30-mile (48 by 48 km) square.[8] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 901 square miles (2,330 km2), of which 895 square miles (2,320 km2) is land and 5.2 square miles (13 km2) (0.6%) is water.[9] The geographic center of Kansas is located in Barton County.

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Sources: National Atlas,[10] U.S. Census Bureau[11]

Demographics

Population pyramid based on 2000 census age data
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
188010,318—
189013,17227.7%
190013,7844.6%
191017,87629.7%
192018,4223.1%
193019,7767.3%
194025,01026.5%
195029,90919.6%
196032,3688.2%
197030,663−5.3%
198031,3432.2%
199029,382−6.3%
200028,205−4.0%
201027,674−1.9%
202025,493−7.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]
1790-1960[13] 1900-1990[14]
1990-2000[15] 2010-2020[1]

The Great Bend Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Barton County.

As of the 2000 census,[16] there were 28,205 people, 11,393 households, and 7,530 families residing in the county. The population density was 32 people per square mile (12 people/km2). There were 12,888 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile (5.4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.98% White, 1.15% Black or African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.51% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.31% of the population.

There were 11,393 households, out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.10% were married couples living together, 7.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.90% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.00% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,176, and the median income for a family was $39,929. Males had a median income of $28,803 versus $20,428 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,695. About 9.90% of families and 12.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.00% of those under age 18 and 10.90% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Presidential elections

Prior to 1940, Barton County was a Democratic-leaning swing county in presidential elections, being a national bellwether from 1912 to 1936. From 1940 on, it has become a Republican Party stronghold, with the solitary Democratic Party presidential candidate to carry it since then being Lyndon B. Johnson in his national landslide of 1964.

Presidential election results
United States presidential election results for Barton County, Kansas[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 8,608 77.20% 2,340 20.99% 202 1.81%
2016 7,888 76.29% 1,839 17.79% 612 5.92%
2012 7,874 76.14% 2,297 22.21% 170 1.64%
2008 7,802 70.56% 3,027 27.38% 228 2.06%
2004 8,666 74.03% 2,874 24.55% 166 1.42%
2000 7,302 66.65% 3,238 29.56% 415 3.79%
1996 7,855 64.92% 3,121 25.80% 1,123 9.28%
1992 5,113 37.65% 3,846 28.32% 4,623 34.04%
1988 7,741 59.20% 5,024 38.42% 310 2.37%
1984 10,232 75.58% 3,111 22.98% 195 1.44%
1980 9,147 66.03% 3,663 26.44% 1,042 7.52%
1976 7,311 55.63% 5,497 41.83% 334 2.54%
1972 8,479 68.87% 3,481 28.27% 352 2.86%
1968 6,700 54.88% 4,464 36.57% 1,044 8.55%
1964 4,826 39.49% 7,340 60.06% 55 0.45%
1960 7,599 55.61% 6,036 44.17% 30 0.22%
1956 8,644 66.17% 4,378 33.51% 41 0.31%
1952 9,380 70.43% 3,847 28.88% 92 0.69%
1948 6,191 53.37% 5,307 45.75% 102 0.88%
1944 5,547 59.36% 3,761 40.25% 37 0.40%
1940 6,011 54.43% 4,982 45.11% 50 0.45%
1936 3,534 37.13% 5,978 62.81% 5 0.05%
1932 3,365 40.85% 4,776 57.98% 97 1.18%
1928 4,966 63.94% 2,777 35.75% 24 0.31%
1924 4,109 56.49% 1,605 22.06% 1,560 21.45%
1920 3,993 68.77% 1,688 29.07% 125 2.15%
1916 2,891 44.46% 3,292 50.63% 319 4.91%
1912 692 17.01% 2,069 50.85% 1,308 32.15%
1908 1,729 44.83% 2,004 51.96% 124 3.21%
1904 1,939 58.19% 1,235 37.06% 158 4.74%
1900 1,564 46.46% 1,772 52.64% 30 0.89%
1896 1,215 42.56% 1,616 56.60% 24 0.84%
1892 1,381 43.10% 0 0.00% 1,823 56.90%
1888 1,353 49.16% 1,228 44.62% 171 6.21%

Laws

Barton County was a prohibition, or "dry", county until the Kansas Constitution was amended in 1986 and voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement. The food sales requirement was removed with voter approval in 2004.[18]

Education

Colleges

Unified school districts

The five school districts are part of the special education area of Barton County called Barton County Special Services.

Communities

2005 KDOT Map of Barton County (map legend)

‡ means a community has portions in an adjacent county. † means a community is designated a Census-Designated Place (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau.

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Barton County is divided into twenty-two townships. The cities of Ellinwood, Great Bend, and Hoisington 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.

TownshipFIPSPopulation
center		 PopulationPopulation
density
/km2 (/sq mi)		 Land area
km2 (sq mi)		Water area
km2 (sq mi)		Water % Geographic coordinates
Albion00850581 (2)94 (36)0 (0)0.05%38°33′37″N 98°51′31″W / 38.56028°N 98.85861°W / 38.56028; -98.85861
Beaver049751081 (3)95 (37)0 (0)0.05%38°38′42″N 98°39′18″W / 38.64500°N 98.65500°W / 38.64500; -98.65500
Buffalo090754906 (14)88 (34)0 (0)0.12%38°24′23″N 98°51′47″W / 38.40639°N 98.86306°W / 38.40639; -98.86306
Cheyenne130252381 (4)174 (67)13 (5)6.80%38°31′46″N 98°38′25″W / 38.52944°N 98.64028°W / 38.52944; -98.64028
Clarence134751251 (3)93 (36)0 (0)0%38°23′58″N 98°58′25″W / 38.39944°N 98.97361°W / 38.39944; -98.97361
Cleveland14025691 (2)94 (36)0 (0)0.12%38°39′8″N 98°31′27″W / 38.65222°N 98.52417°W / 38.65222; -98.52417
Comanche151254523 (7)167 (64)0 (0)0.11%38°17′50″N 98°35′59″W / 38.29722°N 98.59972°W / 38.29722; -98.59972
Eureka217501161 (3)93 (36)0 (0)0.24%38°28′49″N 98°51′37″W / 38.48028°N 98.86028°W / 38.48028; -98.86028
Fairview22400Galatia1291 (4)93 (36)0 (0)0.03%38°38′52″N 98°58′8″W / 38.64778°N 98.96889°W / 38.64778; -98.96889
Grant27475791 (2)92 (36)0 (0)0.10%38°33′49″N 98°58′15″W / 38.56361°N 98.97083°W / 38.56361; -98.97083
Great Bend283251,83918 (46)104 (40)1 (0)0.50%38°23′5″N 98°44′50″W / 38.38472°N 98.74722°W / 38.38472; -98.74722
Independent33975Claflin8449 (24)93 (36)0 (0)0.04%38°32′36″N 98°31′36″W / 38.54333°N 98.52667°W / 38.54333; -98.52667
Lakin381252992 (4)172 (67)0 (0)0.23%38°22′59″N 98°33′58″W / 38.38306°N 98.56611°W / 38.38306; -98.56611
Liberty398753214 (9)88 (34)0 (0)0.21%38°18′33″N 98°51′29″W / 38.30917°N 98.85806°W / 38.30917; -98.85806
Logan417501762 (5)93 (36)0 (0)0.06%38°28′59″N 98°31′40″W / 38.48306°N 98.52778°W / 38.48306; -98.52778
North Homestead512001331 (4)92 (36)0 (0)0.06%38°33′44″N 98°45′59″W / 38.56222°N 98.76639°W / 38.56222; -98.76639
Pawnee Rock54900Pawnee Rock5446 (15)93 (36)0 (0)0.05%38°16′59″N 98°59′12″W / 38.28306°N 98.98667°W / 38.28306; -98.98667
South Bend665256827 (19)93 (36)0 (0)0.17%38°18′42″N 98°45′56″W / 38.31167°N 98.76556°W / 38.31167; -98.76556
South Homestead667253434 (10)90 (35)1 (0)1.23%38°29′9″N 98°46′38″W / 38.48583°N 98.77722°W / 38.48583; -98.77722
Union72025Susank1281 (4)94 (36)0 (0)0.20%38°38′46″N 98°45′59″W / 38.64611°N 98.76639°W / 38.64611; -98.76639
Walnut74825Albert, Olmitz4745 (13)93 (36)0 (0)0%38°28′16″N 98°58′8″W / 38.47111°N 98.96889°W / 38.47111; -98.96889
Wheatland77600741 (2)94 (36)0 (0)0.14%38°39′45″N 98°51′48″W / 38.66250°N 98.86333°W / 38.66250; -98.86333
Sources: "Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files". U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division. Archived from the original on August 2, 2002.

See also

Community information for Kansas

References

  1. 1 2 3 "QuickFacts; Barton County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on March 2, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp. 153.
  4. ↑ Brackman, Barbara (1997). Kansas Trivia. Thomas Nelson Inc. p. 26. ISBN 9781418553814.
  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. ↑ History of the State of Kansas: Containing a Full Account of Its Growth from an Uninhabited Territory to a Wealthy and Important State. A. T. Andreas. 1883. p. 762.
  9. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. ↑ National Atlas Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "U.S. Census Bureau TIGER shape files". Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  12. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  15. ↑ "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 21, 2014.
  16. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  17. ↑ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
  18. ↑ "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 28, 2007.

Further reading

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