National Register Listing

Old Logan County Courthouse

Main St., Russell Springs, KS
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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.

law courthouses buildings
The state bird of Kansas is the western meadowlark, which is known for its distinctive song.
Kansas random facts
Logan County, Kansas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho. These tribes relied on hunting, gathering, and seasonal agriculture to sustain their communities.

In the 19th century, the area that is now Logan County became part of the United States' push westward. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 opened up the region for settlement, and pioneers began to arrive, seeking new opportunities. The discovery of gold in nearby Colorado also led to increased traffic through Logan County.

Officially established in 1887, Logan County was named after Union General John A. Logan. The county's main economy relied on agriculture, with wheat, corn, and sorghum being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered the county's growth, facilitating transportation and trade.

Over the years, Logan County faced its fair share of challenges. Like many parts of America, the Great Depression was particularly harsh, affecting farmers in the area. However, the community persevered, adapting to changing economic conditions and embracing new technologies and farming techniques.

Today, Logan County continues to be primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching playing significant roles in the local economy. The county also boasts a close-knit community that takes pride in its history and works to preserve and celebrate its heritage.

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

  • 1887 - Logan County is established as a county in Kansas.
  • Late 1800s - The area experiences a boom in agriculture, particularly wheat farming.
  • Early 1900s - The population of Logan County grows quickly due to increased agricultural productivity.
  • 1915 - The city of Oakley becomes the county seat of Logan County.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression negatively impacts the economy of Logan County, leading to a decline in population.
  • 1940s - The discovery of oil and gas fields in the region brings economic growth and an increase in population.
  • 1958 - A tornado devastates the town of Oakley, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1970s - Logan County experiences a decline in population due to changes in agricultural practices and a shift towards urbanization.
  • 1990 - Fort Wallace Museum is established in the town of Wallace, showcasing the area's rich history.
  • Present - Logan County continues to be predominantly rural with a focus on agriculture and oil production.