McPherson County, Kansas

9/11 Memorial A Brief History of Early Lindsborg Anabaptist - Mennonite Faith & Life Bernquist & Nelson Drugstore Bethany College Birger Sandzén Carl Aaron Swensson Centennial Memorial Clareen & Peterson Restaurant Company D, 2nd Kansas Infantry World War I Memorial Dag Hammarskjöld Den Svenska Timmerstugan English Oak Evangelical Covenant Church G.A.R. Post No. 308 Memorial Growth of This Pioneer Group Hans Hanson House Hjerpe Grocery Holmberg and Johnson Blacksmith & Wagonshop Home and Studio of Anton Pearson In Memory of the Swiss Mennonite Congregation Kansas Indian Treaty Last Built Carnegie Library Lindsborg Post Office Major General James B. McPherson McPherson County War Memorial McPherson Opera House Messiah Chorus Messiah Lutheran Church Old Mill Stone Monument One Main Place Opera Block Original Site of Hoffnungsfeld-Eden Church Otto Johnson Our Founders in Architectural Heaven POW-MIA Memorial Range School Robert G. Manning Runbeck Mill Santa Fe and Chisholm Trails Smoky Valley Roller Mills Sora Kansas Creek Steve W. Train Sweadal 1869 Swiss (Volhynian) Mennonite Memorial The Challenge & Hope of the Future The Farmers State Bank Building The Mormon Battalion at McPherson, Kansas The Swedish Pavilion The Swiss (Yolhynian) Mennonites The Teichgraeber-Runbeck House The Terrible Swedes • Coach Ray Hahn • Dr. Ted Kessinger Turkey Red Wheat Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial War Memorial Welcome to Lucia Park Womans Missionary Society World War II Memorial "Methodist Mare"
McPherson County, Kansas, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when settlers began migrating to the area. The county was officially established in 1867 and named after Civil War General James B. McPherson. The region originally belonged to the Osage and Wichita Indian tribes, but as settlers arrived, conflicts arose, leading to the displacement of indigenous populations.

With the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, McPherson County experienced rapid development and growth. The town of McPherson became an important railway junction, attracting businesses, farmers, and new residents. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with wheat, corn, and livestock farming becoming major industries.

During the early 20th century, McPherson County witnessed a surge in oil exploration and production. The discovery of oil brought prosperity and new opportunities to the local community, spurring growth and development. The county's oil industry played a significant role in shaping its economy and attracting further investment.

In more recent years, McPherson County has diversified its economy with the establishment of manufacturing plants, including several major automotive manufacturers. The county continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while also attracting new industries. Its rich history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant community make McPherson County an appealing destination for residents and visitors alike.
Brief timeline of the history of McPherson County, Kansas:

  • 1867 - McPherson County is formed.
  • 1870 - The city of McPherson is founded.
  • 1887 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches McPherson.
  • 1900 - The population of McPherson County reaches over 15,000.
  • 1925 - The National Cooperative Refinery Association is established near McPherson.
  • 1951 - McPherson College is founded.
  • 1974 - The McPherson Opera House is restored.
  • 1996 - The McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation is established.
  • 2010 - The population of McPherson County is over 29,000.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of McPherson County, Kansas.

Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.