National Register Listing

Washington County Kingpost

SE of Barnes, Barnes, KS
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.
Kansas is home to several important Native American tribes, including the Kansa, Osage, and Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Washington County, Kansas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area that would become Washington County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Pawnee. In 1803, the land became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. During the mid-1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and potential for farming.

In 1856, the Kansas-Nebraska Act opened up the region for settlement, and Washington County was officially organized in 1857. The county was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The county seat, Washington, was established as a trading post by pioneer Alexander Sigafoos. As more settlers arrived, towns and communities like Hanover, Greenleaf, and Clifton also sprung up throughout the county.

Washington County played a significant role during the American Civil War. Many of its residents were sympathetic to the cause of abolition, and the county served as a stop along the Underground Railroad. It also contributed soldiers to the Union Army during the war, with over 600 residents joining the fight.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Washington County experienced growth and development. Railroads were built, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people. Schools, churches, and businesses were established, providing the community with essential services. Today, Washington County is a thriving rural community with a rich agricultural heritage and a strong sense of community spirit.

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

  • 1855 - Washington County was founded as a part of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1857 - The first county seat was established in Mill Creek.
  • 1860 - The county seat was relocated to Washington, which became the permanent county seat.
  • 1870 - Washington County had a population of around 10,000 people.
  • 1878 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reached Washington County, spurring growth and development.
  • 1880 - The county experienced a boom in population, with over 17,000 residents.
  • 1887 - The Washington County Courthouse was constructed.
  • 1900 - The population peaked at around 20,000 people.
  • 1920 - The population began declining, primarily due to the agricultural challenges faced by the area.
  • 1940s-1950s - The county's economy started to diversify, with the growth of manufacturing and other industries.
  • 2010 - Washington County had a population of approximately 5,700 people.