National Register Listing

Bergtholdt House

205 E. 5th, Halstead, KS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Before becoming a state, Kansas was the site of many battles and conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups, earning it the nickname "Bleeding Kansas."
Kansas random facts
Harvey County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area initially belonged to the Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Pawnee, who roamed the prairies and hunted in the region. It wasn't until the 19th century that European settlers began to arrive and shape the history of Harvey County.

In 1871, a survey of the land led to the establishment of a town called Newton, which would become the county seat of Harvey County. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad in 1871 played a crucial role in the growth and development of the county. The railroad brought with it new opportunities for trade and commerce, attracting more settlers to the area.

The early economy of Harvey County revolved around agriculture, with settlers relying on farming and cattle ranching to sustain their livelihoods. Wheat, corn, and livestock became important commodities, and the region thrived as a center for agriculture in Kansas.

Over the years, Harvey County experienced various challenges and transformations. The devastating flood of 1923 caused significant damage to many towns and farms in the area, leading to a period of rebuilding and recovery. In the latter half of the 20th century, the county saw industrial growth, with the establishment of manufacturing and processing plants.

Today, Harvey County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. The county offers a mix of urban and rural areas, providing its residents with a high quality of life. With its rich history and ongoing development, Harvey County remains an important part of the state of Kansas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harvey County, Kansas.

  • 1872 - Harvey County established
  • 1872 - Newton becomes the county seat
  • 1873 - First courthouse built in Newton
  • 1874 - Newton City Bank, the first bank in the county, opens
  • 1879 - Santa Fe Railroad reaches Newton, boosting economic growth
  • 1886 - Chisholm Trail drives end in Harvey County
  • 1893 - Newton Carnegie Library opens
  • 1936 - Harvey County is hit hard by the Great Depression
  • 1943 - Camp Phillips, a U.S. Army training camp, is established near Newton during World War II
  • 1965 - Kansas Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena, opens in Newton
  • 1985 - The Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad begins operations in Harvey County
  • 2007 - Hesston College Arboretum is dedicated