National Register Listing

Ness County Bank

Main St. and Pennsylvania Ave., Ness City, KS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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 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
Ness County, Kansas is located in the west-central part of the state. It was established on February 26, 1867 and is named after Corporal Noah V. Ness, who died during the American Civil War. The county was originally part of the Kiowa Reservation, but when the reservation was opened for settlement, pioneers began to populate the area.

During its early years, the county experienced a rapid influx of settlers hoping to make a living through agriculture. The fertile soil of the region allowed for successful farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and sorghum became the backbone of the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further stimulated economic growth, enabling farmers to transport their products more easily.

Ness County also faced challenges during its history, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The combination of severe drought and poor farming practices led to massive dust storms and widespread soil erosion, causing immense hardship for the local residents. Many farmers were forced to abandon their lands and seek opportunities elsewhere.

In more recent years, Ness County has focused on diversifying its economy beyond agriculture. The development of wind energy has been a significant driver of growth, with numerous wind farms sprouting up across the county. Additionally, tourism has become an important industry, as visitors are attracted to the county's historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.

Overall, the history of Ness County, Kansas is one of pioneering spirit, agricultural success, and resilience in the face of adversity. From its early settlement days to the challenges of the Dust Bowl and its current efforts to diversify its economy, the county has persevered and continues to thrive.

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

  • 1867: Ness County is established by the Kansas Legislature.
  • 1873: Town of Ness City is founded.
  • 1880: The Kansas Pacific Railway reaches Ness City, boosting economic growth.
  • 1885: Ness City becomes the county seat.
  • 1890: Population of Ness County reaches over 5,000 residents.
  • 1930s: The Dust Bowl devastates agriculture in the area.
  • 1947: Cedar Bluff Reservoir is completed, providing irrigation and recreation opportunities.
  • 1960s: Oil and gas exploration brings economic prosperity to the county.
  • 2007: The town of Arnold is destroyed by a tornado, but later rebuilt.