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Anderson County, Kansas

Coordinates: 38°12′N 95°17′W / 38.200°N 95.283°W / 38.200; -95.283
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Anderson County
County
Anderson County Courthouse in Garnett (2016)
Anderson County Courthouse in Garnett (2016)
Map of Kansas highlighting Anderson County
Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
Map of the United States highlighting Kansas
Kansas's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 38°12′N 95°17′W / 38.200°N 95.283°W / 38.200; -95.283
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedAugust 25, 1855
Named forJoseph C. Anderson
SeatGarnett
Largest cityGarnett
Area
 • Total
584 sq mi (1,510 km2)
 • Land580 sq mi (1,500 km2)
 • Water7.1 sq mi (18 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total
7,836
 • Estimate 
(1023)
7,838 Increase
 • Density13/sq mi (5.2/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code785
Congressional district3rd
WebsiteAndersonCountyKS.org

Anderson County is a county located in East Central Kansas, in the Central United States. Its county seat and most populous city is Garnett.[2] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 7,836.[1] The county was named for Joseph C. Anderson, a Kansas territorial legislator and border ruffian during the "Bleeding Kansas" era.

History

[edit]
See also: History of Kansas

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, and in 1855, Anderson County was established as one of the original 33 counties of the Kansas Territory, named for territorial legislator Joseph C. Anderson.[3] The initial settlement began in 1854 with individuals like Valentine Gerth and Francis Meyer staking claims near what would become Greeley. The settlers discovered fields previously worked by the Potawatomi, who had been relocated there in 1833.[4] The early years were fraught with conflict during "Bleeding Kansas," with Anderson County men engaging in battles like the one at Osawatomie, where the clash over slavery was intense.[4]

The county's administrative center was initially established at Shannon, but disputes over the location of the county seat resulted in its move to Garnett in 1859, where it has remained[3]. The agrarian economy suffered from natural disasters, including the severe drought of 1860, which left the county in distress[4]. Subsequent years brought the infamous grasshopper plagues of 1874-1875, which devastated crops, yet the resolve of the settlers saw them through these hardships. The introduction of wheat farming helped stabilize the region.[4]

In 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. The Civil War period saw Anderson County's men volunteer for Union forces, with the war also temporarily halting the cattle drives from Texas that had introduced Spanish fever to the local cattle. Post-war, the county experienced a resurgence in agricultural development, with the arrival of the railroad playing a crucial role in economic growth by opening up markets. As Anderson County moved towards the 20th century, its economy was based on farming, with some coal mining activities due to local deposits. The onset of World War I saw the community rallying to support the war effort, with many local men enlisting for service overseas. This era marked the beginning of a transition period, where traditional farming practices would soon give way to technological advancements in agriculture.

In 1884, the first photograph of a tornado was taken in Anderson county.[5]

Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 584 square miles (1,510 km2), of which 580 square miles (1,500 km2) is land and 4.1 square miles (11 km2) (0.7%) is water.[6]

Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Sources: National Atlas,[7] U.S. Census Bureau[8]

Demographics

[edit]
Population pyramid based on 2000 census age data
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18602,400—
18705,220117.5%
18809,05773.5%
189014,20356.8%
190013,938−1.9%
191013,829−0.8%
192012,986−6.1%
193013,3552.8%
194011,658−12.7%
195010,267−11.9%
19609,035−12.0%
19708,501−5.9%
19808,7492.9%
19907,803−10.8%
20008,1103.9%
20108,102−0.1%
20207,836−3.3%
2023 (est.)7,838[9]0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2020[1]

As of the 2000 census,[14] there were 8,110 people, 3,221 households, and 2,264 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (5.4 people/km2). There were 3,596 housing units at an average density of 6 units per square mile (2.3 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.41% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.09% of the population. 35.0% were of German, 20.4% American, 10.4% English and 9.9% Irish ancestry.

There were 3,221 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.90% were married couples living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 26.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.20% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 24.60% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 20.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,244, and the median income for a family was $39,101. Males had a median income of $30,102 versus $20,705 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,458. About 10.60% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 11.00% of those age 65 or over.

Government

[edit]
Presidential election results
United States presidential election results for Anderson County, Kansas[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 2,955 79.12% 720 19.28% 60 1.61%
2020 2,929 77.24% 782 20.62% 81 2.14%
2016 2,435 72.69% 672 20.06% 243 7.25%
2012 2,276 68.66% 944 28.48% 95 2.87%
2008 2,362 65.14% 1,175 32.40% 89 2.45%
2004 2,500 64.72% 1,295 33.52% 68 1.76%
2000 1,984 57.04% 1,327 38.15% 167 4.80%
1996 1,636 46.66% 1,367 38.99% 503 14.35%
1992 1,218 33.03% 1,178 31.95% 1,291 35.01%
1988 1,781 54.25% 1,466 44.65% 36 1.10%
1984 2,462 67.14% 1,155 31.50% 50 1.36%
1980 2,363 62.63% 1,170 31.01% 240 6.36%
1976 1,872 48.70% 1,886 49.06% 86 2.24%
1972 2,718 70.86% 1,035 26.98% 83 2.16%
1968 2,168 56.84% 1,242 32.56% 404 10.59%
1964 1,692 44.76% 2,058 54.44% 30 0.79%
1960 2,665 62.35% 1,589 37.18% 20 0.47%
1956 3,080 69.01% 1,369 30.67% 14 0.31%
1952 3,672 73.18% 1,333 26.56% 13 0.26%
1948 2,787 56.85% 2,071 42.25% 44 0.90%
1944 3,060 64.89% 1,649 34.97% 7 0.15%
1940 3,886 64.41% 2,114 35.04% 33 0.55%
1936 3,452 54.64% 2,767 43.80% 99 1.57%
1932 2,408 39.63% 3,580 58.92% 88 1.45%
1928 3,562 64.94% 1,874 34.17% 49 0.89%
1924 3,101 60.98% 1,421 27.94% 563 11.07%
1920 3,068 62.82% 1,708 34.97% 108 2.21%
1916 2,386 43.95% 2,739 50.45% 304 5.60%
1912 618 19.88% 1,365 43.92% 1,125 36.20%
1908 1,722 51.25% 1,512 45.00% 126 3.75%
1904 1,891 58.26% 1,043 32.13% 312 9.61%
1900 1,846 50.40% 1,757 47.97% 60 1.64%
1896 1,780 47.57% 1,890 50.51% 72 1.92%
1892 1,638 51.06% 0 0.00% 1,570 48.94%
1888 1,843 55.13% 960 28.72% 540 16.15%

Laws

[edit]

Following amendment to the Kansas Constitution in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or "dry", county until 1996, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30 percent food sales requirement.[16]

Education

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Unified school districts

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Communities

[edit]
2005 map of Anderson County[17] (map legend)

List of townships / incorporated cities / unincorporated communities / extinct former communities within Anderson County.[17]

Cities

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

† means a community is designated a Census-Designated Place (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau.

Ghost towns

[edit]

Townships

[edit]

Anderson County is divided into fourteen townships. The city of Garnett is considered governmentally independent and is excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.

Township FIPS Population
center 		Population Population
density
/km2 (/sq mi) 		Land area
km2 (sq mi)		 Water area
km2 (sq mi)		 Water % Geographic coordinates
Indian Creek 34050 132 1 (3) 125 (48) 0 (0) 0.07% 38°5′21″N 95°27′33″W / 38.08917°N 95.45917°W / 38.08917; -95.45917
Jackson 34725 453 5 (13) 88 (34) 0 (0) 0.06% 38°17′44″N 95°17′48″W / 38.29556°N 95.29667°W / 38.29556; -95.29667
Lincoln 40475 208 2 (4) 128 (49) 0 (0) 0.22% 38°12′42″N 95°8′42″W / 38.21167°N 95.14500°W / 38.21167; -95.14500
Lone Elm 42450 239 2 (5) 120 (46) 0 (0) 0.21% 38°4′56″N 95°14′30″W / 38.08222°N 95.24167°W / 38.08222; -95.24167
Monroe 47725 349 5 (12) 74 (29) 0 (0) 0.11% 38°17′44″N 95°12′54″W / 38.29556°N 95.21500°W / 38.29556; -95.21500
North Rich 51325 112 2 (5) 62 (24) 0 (0) 0.06% 38°8′10″N 95°7′24″W / 38.13611°N 95.12333°W / 38.13611; -95.12333
Ozark 53900 Colony 565 6 (16) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.07% 38°4′24″N 95°21′37″W / 38.07333°N 95.36028°W / 38.07333; -95.36028
Putnam 58000 284 3 (8) 87 (34) 0 (0) 0.11% 38°21′41″N 95°16′4″W / 38.36139°N 95.26778°W / 38.36139; -95.26778
Reeder 58825 427 2 (6) 187 (72) 1 (0) 0.44% 38°19′14″N 95°26′6″W / 38.32056°N 95.43500°W / 38.32056; -95.43500
Rich 59175 Kincaid 346 4 (11) 78 (30) 0 (0) 0.21% 38°4′48″N 95°8′58″W / 38.08000°N 95.14944°W / 38.08000; -95.14944
Walker 74650 Greeley 668 6 (15) 117 (45) 0 (0) 0.38% 38°21′4″N 95°6′47″W / 38.35111°N 95.11306°W / 38.35111; -95.11306
Washington 75500 268 3 (7) 93 (36) 0 (0) 0.19% 38°13′47″N 95°17′5″W / 38.22972°N 95.28472°W / 38.22972; -95.28472
Welda 76450 301 3 (7) 116 (45) 0 (0) 0.22% 38°9′44″N 95°19′17″W / 38.16222°N 95.32139°W / 38.16222; -95.32139
Westphalia 77275 Westphalia 390 3 (8) 134 (52) 1 (0) 0.38% 38°11′56″N 95°27′46″W / 38.19889°N 95.46278°W / 38.19889; -95.46278
Sources: "Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files". U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division. Archived from the original on August 2, 2002.
St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio.

Media

[edit]

Anderson County Review is a weekly newspaper.[18]

See also

[edit]
Community information for Kansas

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts; Anderson County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. ... with a Supplementary Volume Devoted to Selected Personal History and Reminiscence. Standard Publishing Company.
  4. ^ a b c d Cutler, William G.; Andreas, Alfred Theodore (1883). History of the State of Kansas, Containing a Full Account of Its Growth from an Uninhabited Territory to a Wealthy and Important State ...: Also, a Supplementary History and Description of Its Counties, Cities, Towns, and Villages ... A.T. Andreas. ISBN 978-0-598-27697-1.
  5. ^ "18 Famous First Photographs in History: From the Oldest Photo Ever to the World's First Instagram". September 30, 2019.
  6. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. ^ National Atlas Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau TIGER shape files". Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  9. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  10. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  12. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  13. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  15. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  16. ^ "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. November 2004. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved January 21, 2007.
  17. ^ a b "General Highway Map of Anderson County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). September 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 4, 2023.
  18. ^ Hanna, John (July 5, 2020). "Newspaper Owner: Sorry for Equating Mask Rule to Holocaust". Associated Press. Retrieved July 6, 2020.

Further reading

[edit]
See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Anderson County, Kansas.
County
Historical
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