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Chase County, Kansas

Coordinates: 38°18′N 96°35′W / 38.300°N 96.583°W / 38.300; -96.583
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Not to be confused with Chase, Kansas.

Chase County
County
Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls
Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls
Map of Kansas highlighting Chase 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°18′N 96°35′W / 38.300°N 96.583°W / 38.300; -96.583
Country United States
State Kansas
FoundedFebruary 11, 1859
Named forSalmon P. Chase
SeatCottonwood Falls
Largest cityCottonwood Falls
Area
 • Total
778 sq mi (2,020 km2)
 • Land773 sq mi (2,000 km2)
 • Water4.7 sq mi (12 km2)  0.6%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total
2,572
 • Estimate 
(2023)[2]
2,579 Increase
 • Density3.3/sq mi (1.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code620
Congressional district2nd
Websitechasecountyks.com

Chase County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls.[3] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 2,572.[1] The county was named for Salmon Chase, a U.S. Senator from Ohio that was a Kansas statehood advocate.

History

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Early history

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See also: History of Kansas

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau. In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, but keeping title to about 7,500 square miles.

In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre. In 1848, after the Mexican–American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with Mexico brought into the United States all or part of land for ten future states, including southwest Kansas. In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state.

19th century

[edit]

In 1806, Zebulon Pike led the Pike Expedition westward from St Louis, Missouri, of which part of their journey followed the Cottonwood River through modern Chase County.[4]

In 1859, Chase County was established within the Kansas Territory.

In 1871, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway extended a main line from Emporia to Newton.[5] In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City) to Superior, Nebraska. This branch line connected Strong City, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick, Lost Springs, Jacobs, Hope, Navarre, Enterprise, Abilene, Talmage, Manchester, Longford, Oak Hill, Miltonvale, Aurora, Huscher, Concordia, Kackley, Courtland, Webber, Superior. At some time, the line from Neva to Lost Springs was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad and renamed to the current BNSF Railway.

The south-western border one mile "notch" into Marion County was established under unusual circumstances. A murder had occurred and Marion County didn't want to have the trial, so a section one mile wide and eighteen miles long was permanently ceded to Chase County to ensure the murder had occurred there.[6]

20th century

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In 1931, Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne died in a plane crash a few miles southwest of Bazaar, in Chase County, Kansas.

In 1991, the county was the subject of the book: PrairyErth: (A Deep Map).

In 1996, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was established in the county.

The center of population of Kansas is located in Chase County, about four miles north of Strong City.

Historical markers

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  • Landmark of Distinction - The Chase County Courthouse.[7]
  • Chase County and The Bluestem Pasture Region of Kansas.[8]
  • The Bluestem Pasture Region of Kansas.[9]
  • W. B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park.[10]

Historical maps

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Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 778 square miles (2,020 km2), of which 773 square miles (2,000 km2) is land and 4.7 square miles (12 km2) (0.6%) is water.[11]

Chase County is centrally located in the eastern half of the state in the Flint Hills geologic region. It's located in the Neosho River drainage basin.[12]

Adjacent counties

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National protected area

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Major highways

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Sources: National Atlas,[13] U.S. Census Bureau[14]

Demographics

[edit]
Population pyramid based on 2000 census age data
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18601,046—
18701,97588.8%
18806,081207.9%
18908,23335.4%
19008,2460.2%
19107,527−8.7%
19207,144−5.1%
19306,952−2.7%
19406,345−8.7%
19504,831−23.9%
19603,921−18.8%
19703,408−13.1%
19803,309−2.9%
19903,021−8.7%
20003,0300.3%
20102,790−7.9%
20202,572−7.8%
2023 (est.)2,579[2]0.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[15]
1790-1960[16] 1900-1990[17]
1990-2000[18] 2010-2020[1]

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census,[19] there were 3,030 people, 1,246 households, and 817 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (1.5 people/km2). There were 1,529 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (0.77/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.90% White, 1.02% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.56% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.75% of the population.

There were 1,246 households, out of which 28.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% were married couples living together, 7.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.40% were non-families. 31.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.10% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,656, and the median income for a family was $39,848. Males had a median income of $27,402 versus $21,528 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,422. About 4.10% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.00% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over.

Government

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Presidential elections

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Chase County is a Republican stronghold. The last Democrat to carry this county was Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936.

Presidential election results
United States presidential election results for Chase County, Kansas[20]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 1,123 75.32% 345 23.14% 23 1.54%
2016 969 70.78% 316 23.08% 84 6.14%
2012 875 68.84% 358 28.17% 38 2.99%
2008 976 70.52% 383 27.67% 25 1.81%
2004 1,055 70.29% 418 27.85% 28 1.87%
2000 848 64.39% 391 29.69% 78 5.92%
1996 778 50.19% 496 32.00% 276 17.81%
1992 610 36.20% 470 27.89% 605 35.91%
1988 884 60.63% 538 36.90% 36 2.47%
1984 1,162 74.01% 393 25.03% 15 0.96%
1980 1,073 66.94% 413 25.76% 117 7.30%
1976 922 57.59% 643 40.16% 36 2.25%
1972 1,184 76.04% 315 20.23% 58 3.73%
1968 1,038 62.61% 462 27.86% 158 9.53%
1964 902 50.31% 886 49.41% 5 0.28%
1960 1,276 64.06% 708 35.54% 8 0.40%
1956 1,553 74.45% 529 25.36% 4 0.19%
1952 1,815 77.76% 513 21.98% 6 0.26%
1948 1,432 58.93% 961 39.55% 37 1.52%
1944 1,510 59.99% 998 39.65% 9 0.36%
1940 1,871 57.78% 1,344 41.51% 23 0.71%
1936 1,610 48.42% 1,706 51.31% 9 0.27%
1932 1,485 45.96% 1,703 52.71% 43 1.33%
1928 2,079 72.79% 739 25.88% 38 1.33%
1924 1,822 62.61% 758 26.05% 330 11.34%
1920 1,659 63.15% 904 34.41% 64 2.44%
1916 1,356 44.14% 1,584 51.56% 132 4.30%
1912 476 25.41% 812 43.35% 585 31.23%
1908 1,021 53.04% 834 43.32% 70 3.64%
1904 1,217 64.39% 562 29.74% 111 5.87%
1900 1,084 52.49% 956 46.30% 25 1.21%
1896 812 44.74% 981 54.05% 22 1.21%
1892 891 47.37% 0 0.00% 990 52.63%
1888 1,126 54.11% 593 28.50% 362 17.40%

Laws

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Following amendment to the Kansas Constitution in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or "dry", county until 1988, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.[21]

Education

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Unified school districts

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School districts include:[22]

School district office in neighboring county[22]

Communities

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2005 map of Chase County[23] (map legend)

List of townships / incorporated cities / unincorporated communities / extinct former communities within Chase County.[23]

Cities

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Unincorporated places

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Ghost towns

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‡ means a community has portions in an adjacent county.

Townships

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Chase County is divided into nine townships. None of the cities within the county are considered governmentally independent, and all figures for the townships include those of the cities. 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
Bazaar 04700 81 0 (1) 293 (113) 0 (0) 0.17% 38°15′55″N 96°32′3″W / 38.26528°N 96.53417°W / 38.26528; -96.53417
Cedar 11225 116 1 (2) 142 (55) 0 (0) 0.22% 38°8′54″N 96°46′30″W / 38.14833°N 96.77500°W / 38.14833; -96.77500
Cottonwood 15875 184 1 (2) 209 (81) 0 (0) 0.23% 38°17′23″N 96°45′44″W / 38.28972°N 96.76222°W / 38.28972; -96.76222
Diamond Creek 17975 237 1 (2) 373 (144) 1 (0) 0.24% 38°25′31″N 96°40′35″W / 38.42528°N 96.67639°W / 38.42528; -96.67639
Falls 22850 Cottonwood Falls 1,163 9 (23) 131 (51) 1 (0) 0.42% 38°21′55″N 96°32′27″W / 38.36528°N 96.54083°W / 38.36528; -96.54083
Homestead 32950 52 0 (1) 141 (54) 0 (0) 0.27% 38°10′56″N 96°42′14″W / 38.18222°N 96.70389°W / 38.18222; -96.70389
Matfield 45125 155 0 (1) 316 (122) 1 (0) 0.29% 38°8′59″N 96°30′56″W / 38.14972°N 96.51556°W / 38.14972; -96.51556
Strong 68600 Strong City 740 4 (11) 172 (67) 0 (0) 0.24% 38°24′20″N 96°32′18″W / 38.40556°N 96.53833°W / 38.40556; -96.53833
Toledo 70775 302 1 (3) 233 (90) 1 (0) 0.44% 38°24′49″N 96°23′50″W / 38.41361°N 96.39722°W / 38.41361; -96.39722
Sources: "Census 2000 U.S. Gazetteer Files". U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division. Archived from the original on August 2, 2002.
[edit]

Made famous by William Least Heat-Moon's epic book PrairyErth: A Deep Map (1991).

NRHP sites

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The following sites in Chase County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

See also

[edit]
Community information for Kansas

References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts; Chase County, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "1806 Pike Expedition map through Marion County" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 17, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  5. ^ "Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad: Railroads in Kansas". kansasheritage.org.
  6. ^ "Marion County, Kansas". kshs.org.
  7. ^ A Landmark of Distinction - The Chase County Courthouse; Historical Marker; Blue Skyways (archived).
  8. ^ Chase County & The Bluestem Pasture Region of Kansas; Historical Marker; Blue Skyways (archived).
  9. ^ "The Bluestem Pasture Region of Kansas". June 24, 2007. Archived from the original on June 24, 2007.
  10. ^ W. B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park; Historical Marker; Blue Skyways (archived).
  11. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  12. ^ Ripley, George; Dana, Charles A., eds. (1879). "Chase" . The American Cyclopædia.
  13. ^ National Atlas Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau TIGER shape files". Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  15. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  16. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  17. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
  18. ^ "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 22, 2014.
  19. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  20. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
  21. ^ "Map of Wet and Dry Counties". Alcoholic Beverage Control, Kansas Department of Revenue. November 2006. Archived from the original on October 8, 2007. Retrieved December 26, 2007.
  22. ^ a b "2020 Census - School District Reference Map: Chase County, KS" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 2, 2024. - Text list
  23. ^ a b "General Highway Map of Chase County, Kansas" (PDF). Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). December 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 22, 2024.

Further reading

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See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chase County, Kansas.
Maps
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