National Register Listing

Grainfield Opera House

Main and 3rd Sts., Grainfield, KS
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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
Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.
The geographic center of the contiguous United States is located in a field near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, but a marker for it is located in a small town called Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Kansas random facts
Gove County, located in northwest Kansas, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Apache and Cheyenne. These tribes relied on the land's natural resources and practiced hunting and gathering. However, as European settlers began to move westward in the 19th century, conflicts arose between the Native Americans and the newcomers.

In the 1870s, Gove County became part of the expansive open range known as the Great American Desert. Cattle ranchers began to settle the area and established ranches to take advantage of the region's vast grazing land. The county soon became known for its booming cattle industry, attracting numerous ranchers and cowboys.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gove County experienced significant growth and development. In 1886, the town of Gove City was established as the county seat. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century also played a pivotal role in the county's growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people across the region.

In the early 20th century, Gove County faced challenges such as drought and economic recessions. However, the county managed to adapt and survive. Today, Gove County remains an agricultural region, with farming and ranching being the primary industries. The county continues to preserve its history, with several museums showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to its past.

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

  • 1873 - Gove County is established as a county in the state of Kansas.
  • Late 1800s - Settlers arrive in Gove County, lured by the promise of free land and new opportunities.
  • 1886 - The town of Gove City is established as the county seat.
  • Early 1900s - Gove County experiences a period of rapid growth with the expansion of agriculture and the railroad.
  • 1920s - The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression hit Gove County, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1940s - Gove County plays a significant role in World War II, with local men enlisting in large numbers and the community supporting the war effort.
  • 1950s - Modernization and technology advancements bring changes to the agricultural industry in Gove County.
  • 1970s - Gove County begins to diversify its economy, focusing on industries such as oil and natural gas production.
  • 1990s - Gove County experiences population decline and an aging population, leading to efforts to attract new residents and businesses.
  • 2000s - Gove County embraces renewable energy sources and becomes a hub for wind power development.