Kiowa County, Colorado

Kiowa County is located in the southeastern part of the state of Colorado, USA. Originally home to Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne and Arapaho, European settlers began exploring the area in the mid-19th century. The area that is now Kiowa County was part of a larger county called Elbert County until 1889, when it was officially established as its own county.

The early economy of Kiowa County was heavily dependent on agriculture, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and raising livestock. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to further growth in the region. The town of Eads, which served as the county seat, developed as a central hub for commerce and services.

Throughout the 20th century, Kiowa County faced challenges such as droughts and the Great Depression, which had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county persevered, with the agricultural sector adapting to the changing circumstances. In the mid-20th century, the discovery and extraction of natural gas and oil in the region provided additional economic opportunities for Kiowa County.

Today, Kiowa County remains a primarily rural area with a small population. The agriculture industry continues to play an important role, with crops such as wheat and corn being cultivated, and livestock farming still prevalent. The county also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including the expansive plains of the Eastern Colorado region, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.
Brief timeline of the history of Kiowa County, Colorado:

  • 1889 - Kiowa County was formed on April 11, 1889, from parts of Cheyenne, Bent, and Elbert counties.
  • 1894 - The town of Eads, named after its founder, was established as the county seat.
  • 1930s - The construction of Two Buttes Reservoir begins for irrigation and water storage purposes.
  • 1940s - The Dust Bowl era heavily affected Kiowa County, leading to significant agricultural losses and population decline.
  • 1951 - The construction of John Martin Reservoir on the Arkansas River is completed, providing a new water source for the county.
  • 1960s - Kiowa County experienced further population decline due to modernization of farming methods and consolidation of small farms.
  • 1992 - The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is established near Eads, commemorating the tragic events of 1864.
  • 1997 - The Kiowa County Courthouse, built in 1903, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2007 - The town of Haswell celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • 2011 - An EF2 tornado hits Eads and causes significant damage, but no fatalities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kiowa County, Colorado.