National Register Listing

St. Francis City Park

a.k.a. Howard T. Sawhill City Park

300 Block of East Washington St., St. Francis, KS
Local significance of the site:
Entertainment/recreation; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Cheyenne County, Kansas has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to the early 1800s. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Pawnee. European explorers first arrived in the area in the early 1800s, with French trappers and traders establishing a presence. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlements began to form.

In 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad reached the area, leading to an influx of settlers and the founding of the county. The county was named after the Cheyenne Native American tribe, who had a significant presence in the region. With the arrival of the railroad, agriculture quickly became the primary industry in the county. Farmers cultivated crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum, while also raising cattle and sheep.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the county experience periods of growth and development. The county seat, St. Francis, was established in 1885 and has since remained an important center for commerce and culture in the county. During this time, the county also saw the establishment of various schools, churches, and businesses. However, like many rural communities, Cheyenne County was not immune to challenges. The Dust Bowl in the 1930s devastated the agricultural industry, leading to economic decline and population loss.

Despite the challenges faced, Cheyenne County has remained resilient. Today, the county continues to be primarily rural, with a strong focus on agriculture. However, it is also home to natural attractions, such as the St. Francis Lake and the Arikaree Breaks. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums and historical sites, providing insight into the rich and diverse heritage of the region.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cheyenne County, Kansas.

  • 1873 - Cheyenne County, KS is established and organized.
  • 1886 - The county seat is moved from St. Francis to Bird City.
  • Early 20th century - Agriculture becomes a prominent industry in the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression causes economic hardships for the county.
  • 1950s-1960s - Cheyenne County experiences a decline in population due to a shift in agricultural practices.
  • 1980s - Oil and natural gas production becomes an important industry in the county.
  • 2009 - A tornado causes significant damage in St. Francis.