National Register Listing

Hodgeman County Courthouse

a.k.a. 083-2760-0004

500 Main St., Jetmore, KS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

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 politics government law courthouses buildings
The first woman mayor in the United States, Susanna Salter, was elected in Argonia, Kansas in 1887.
Kansas random facts
Hodgeman County, Kansas, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Cheyenne. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

The county was officially established on February 26, 1867, and named after Amos Hodgman, a Union soldier killed during the American Civil War. The first European settlers in the area were predominantly of German and Austrian descent. They established small agricultural communities, focusing on crops such as wheat, corn, and livestock farming.

Over the years, Hodgeman County experienced its fair share of challenges. The county faced the hardships brought on by severe weather conditions and the economic downturns of the 1930s. However, community spirit and resilience prevailed, allowing the county to rebound and rebuild.

Today, Hodgeman County remains primarily an agricultural area, with farming and ranching serving as the backbone of the local economy. The county is proud of its heritage, as evidenced by the Hodgeman County Historical Society, which preserves and celebrates the history of the area. With a small population and a close-knit community, Hodgeman County continues to thrive and adapt to the changing times while maintaining its rural charm and agricultural traditions.

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

  • 1854: Hodgeman County is established as a part of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1867: The county is officially organized and named after Capt. Amos Hodgman, who was killed in the Civil War.
  • 1878: The first post office is established in the county, with the town of Jetmore as the county seat.
  • 1880s: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway opens a line through Hodgeman County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1885: The town of Hanston is founded and becomes another important community in the county.
  • 1919: The Hodgeman County State Bank is established in Jetmore, providing financial services to the community.
  • 1930s: The Dust Bowl affects farmers in Hodgeman County, leading to extreme soil erosion and economic hardship.
  • 1950s: The county experiences a decline in population as people move to larger cities in search of job opportunities.
  • 1990: The county celebrates its centennial anniversary with various events and activities.
  • 2000s: Hodgeman County continues to face challenges related to agricultural fluctuations and rural depopulation.