National Register Listing

Hartford Collegiate Institute

SW corner of College and Plumb Aves., Hartford, KS
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

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.

The state flower of Kansas is the sunflower, which is also featured on the state flag and seal.
Kansas random facts
Lyon County, located in eastern Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Pawnee, who relied on the Flint Hills for hunting and gathering. In the early 19th century, European explorers such as Zebulon Pike and Stephen Long passed through the region, documenting the natural resources and potential for settlement.

The establishment of Lyon County can be traced back to the mid-1800s when pioneers began to settle in the area. The discovery of gold in neighboring Colorado attracted many prospectors, leading to the establishment of the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through present-day Lyon County. These trailblazers saw the fertile land and abundant water sources of the county, making it an ideal location for agricultural pursuits.

Lyon County officially came into existence in 1855, named after General Nathaniel Lyon, a Union officer who died in the Civil War. As more settlers arrived, the county experienced rapid growth in both population and infrastructure. The town of Emporia, now the county seat, was established in 1857 and quickly became a center of trade and commerce in the region.

In the late 19th century, Lyon County experienced significant economic development, as railroads extended their lines into the area. This allowed for the efficient transportation of agricultural and industrial goods, leading to further growth and prosperity. Today, Lyon County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, offering a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities for its residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lyon County, Kansas.

  • 1855 - Lyon County was established as one of the original 33 counties of Kansas Territory.
  • 1860 - Lyon County became an official Kansas county when the state was admitted to the Union.
  • 1863 - The county seat was established in Emporia, which remains the county seat to this day.
  • 1865 - The first railroad line was completed in Lyon County, connecting Emporia to Topeka.
  • 1870 - The town of Reading was founded in the southern part of Lyon County.
  • 1873 - The Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) was established in Emporia.
  • 1880s - Agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became a major industry in Lyon County.
  • 1902 - The Lyon County Courthouse, a historic building, was completed in Emporia.
  • 1930s - Lyon County was severely affected by the Great Depression, with many farmers struggling to make a living.
  • 1960s - Lyon County saw population growth and economic development thanks to industries such as oil and gas production.
  • 2007 - The Public Building Commission of Lyon County was formed to oversee the construction of a new county jail.