Sedgwick Downtown Historic District
a.k.a. 079-1032
W. side of 500 blk. N. Commercial, Sedgwick, KS Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
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 town of Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed by an EF5 tornado in 2007, and has since rebuilt as a model "green town" using eco-friendly technologies and materials.
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.
Harvey County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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