Crawford County, Kansas

A Brief History of the 788th Company [CCC] Alexander Howat All American Veterans American Legion Post 26 Veterans Memorial Appeal to Reason Arma Veterans Memorial Bennefeld VFW Post 7479 War Memorial Buffalo Cupola & Forge Blower C.C.C. Volunteer Carnegie Library Carney Hall Chandler Hall Church Bell from St. Philip Neri Catholic Church Civil War Memorial Coal Mine Hoist Cow Creek Skirmish Crocker Cemetery Veterans Memorial Dr. Paul B. Leffler Rotary Park Dragline Bucket Education Equipment First State Bank of Girard Franklin - Arma Sidewalk Franklin Community Park Sign Franklin Grade School and Playground Franklin School Bell Franklin Sidewalk Frisco Freight/Passenger Depot Frontenac Veterans Honor Roll Frontenac, Kansas Fuller American Legion Post #64 Veterans Memorial G.A.R.-W.R.C. Civil War Memorial Garden of Memories Veterans Memorial Girard, Kansas Green Elm School, District 41 H. R. Brown's Grocery Store Hard Times Hard Work Helm American Legion Post 182 Veterans Memorial Immigrant Park Kansas City Southern Locomotive No. 1023 Kansas State Teachers College Navy Mark of Commendation Lake Crawford Pittsburg Kansas Pittsburg State University Gymnasium Pittsburg State University Veteran's Amphitheater Southeast Kansas Coal Mining The Amazon Army The Beginning The Camp of Co. 788 of the Civilian Conservation Corps The Fire Devils The Freedom Tree The Legend of Greenbush The Old Military Road of 1837 The Weir - Pittsburg Coalfield The Weir-Pittsburg Coal Field in Cherokee County Trolley / Street Car Rails Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Wilkinson Coal Company Wilkinson Coal Company Steam Shovel William B. and Athlyn C. Pritchett Work Done By Hand "Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial"
Crawford County, Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the region for thousands of years. The area was originally home to the Osage, Kansa, and Otoe tribes, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers began moving into the area in the early 19th century, and the first permanent white settlement was established in 1866.

The county was officially organized on February 13, 1867, and was named after Samuel J. Crawford, the Governor of Kansas at the time. In the late 19th century, mining became a significant industry in Crawford County, leading to a population boom and economic prosperity. The discovery of coal, zinc, and lead deposits in the region attracted thousands of miners from all over the country.

The mining industry played a vital role in the county's development, but it also faced several challenges. Labor strikes and mine disasters were common, leading to increased labor unrest and the establishment of labor unions. Despite these challenges, the mining industry continued to thrive and contribute to the county's growth until the mid-20th century.

In recent years, Crawford County has shifted its focus from mining to other sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Southeast Kansas Community Health Center, Pittsburg State University, and several manufacturing companies are now significant employers in the region. Additionally, Crawford County offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and annual events, attracting both residents and visitors alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Crawford County, Kansas:

  • 1867 - Crawford County is established on February 13.
  • 1867 - The first county elections are held in April.
  • 1868 - The city of Girard is established in June.
  • 1876 - Pittsburg is founded as a coal mining town.
  • 1882 - The first railroad reaches Pittsburg in June.
  • 1887 - Pittsburg State University is established.
  • 1903 - The International Harvester Company establishes a manufacturing plant in Pittsburg.
  • 1918 - Pittsburg State University becomes a four-year college.
  • 1950 - The first housing development, Meadowbrook Addition, begins construction.
  • 1961 - The first Walmart store in Kansas opens in Pittsburg.
  • 1996 - The Pittsburg Farmers' Market is established.

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