National Register Listing

Innes Department Store

a.k.a. KHRI # 173-11683; KHRI # 173-11676

220-230 E. William St., Wichita, KS
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

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.

commerce
The famous abolitionist John Brown made a name for himself in Kansas during the Bleeding Kansas era by leading raids against pro-slavery settlers.
Kansas random facts
Sedgwick County, Kansas, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area that is now Sedgwick County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Taovaya tribes. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1867, Sedgwick County was officially established, named after John Sedgwick, a Union Army general during the American Civil War. The county quickly grew and developed as a thriving agricultural community, with wheat becoming the primary crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further accelerated the county's growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Sedgwick County. The city of Wichita, located within the county, experienced an economic boom due to the oil industry and the emergence of aircraft manufacturing. Cessna, Beechcraft, and Learjet, among others, established their headquarters or manufacturing facilities in Wichita, earning the city the nickname "Air Capital of the World."

Throughout the 20th century, Sedgwick County continued to grow and diversify. Today, it is the largest county in Kansas in terms of population. Along with its strong agricultural roots, the county has a diverse economy that includes aerospace, healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Sedgwick County also offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, such as museums, parks, and annual events like the Wichita Riverfest.

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

  • 1867 - Sedgwick County is established by the Kansas State Legislature.
  • 1870 - Wichita, the county seat, becomes a major cattle town due to the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railway.
  • 1873 - The county's first courthouse is built in Wichita.
  • 1880 - The population of Sedgwick County reaches around 18,000.
  • 1900 - Exploration and drilling for oil begins, leading to the discovery of oil fields in the county.
  • 1914 - Henry J. Allen, a former governor of Kansas, establishes the Industrial Survey of Wichita, laying the foundation for the city's industrial growth.
  • 1917 - The United States enters World War I, and Wichita becomes a major aviation center with the establishment of aircraft manufacturing plants.
  • 1925 - The Wichita Municipal Airport, later known as Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, opens.
  • 1951 - McConnell Air Force Base is established in Sedgwick County.
  • 1963 - The Sedgwick County Zoo opens in Wichita.
  • 1976 - The Century II Convention Center is completed in downtown Wichita.
  • 1989 - The Exploration Place, a science and discovery center, opens on the banks of the Arkansas River in Wichita.
  • 1991 - Intrust Bank Arena, a multipurpose entertainment venue, opens in downtown Wichita.