Augusta, Kansas

Augusta, Kansas
City
Flag
Location within Butler County and Kansas
KDOT map of Butler County (legend)
Coordinates: 37°41′40″N96°58′23″W / 37.69444°N 96.97306°W / 37.69444; -96.97306 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Butler
Founded	1868
Incorporated	1871
Named for	Augusta James
Government
•  Mayor	Mike Rawlings
•  City Manager	Josh Shaw [ citation needed ]
Area [2]
• Total	4.87 sq mi (12.62 km2)
• Land	4.24 sq mi (10.99 km2)
• Water	0.63 sq mi (1.64 km2)
Elevation [1]	1,283 ft (391 m)
Population  (2020) [3] [4]
• Total	9,256
• Density	1,900/sq mi (730/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	67010
Area code	316
FIPS code	20-03300
GNIS ID	485543 [1]
Website	augustaks.org

Augusta is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 9,256. ^{[3] [4]} It is located east of Wichita along U.S. Route 54 / 400 highway.

History

19th century

The confluence of the Whitewater River and the Walnut River was originally inhabited by Osage people, who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing.

In 1868, C. N. James settled in the area and built a log cabin to serve also as a general store and trading post. Around that same time, a post office was established in the settlement, and as the first postmaster, C. N. James named the post office and the town in honor of his wife, Augusta James. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado. In 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to Arkansas City. ^[8] The rail line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Service from Florence to El Dorado was abandoned in 1942. ^[9] The original branch line connected Florence, Burns, De Graff, El Dorado, Augusta, Douglass, Rock, Akron, Winfield, Arkansas City. In 2020, the Santa Fe (now BNSF) still maintains tracks through Augusta at the 301 E. Fifth St. headquarters, a brick depot constructed in 1916–1917. ^[10] The St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad established a depot in Augusta in 1880, serving both passengers and freight. Passenger service ended in 1960. ^[11]

20th century

The discovery of oil near Augusta in 1914, and soon elsewhere in Butler County, led to the doubling of the population of Augusta between 1910 and 1920. ^[12] Oil drilling and refining became a major source of employment for many years. In 1916, L. L. Marcell founded the White Eagle Oil Company in Augusta. Other early refineries were the Walnut Refining Company and the Lakeside Refinery. ^[13] In 1930, White Eagle was purchased by the Standard Oil Company of New York and was known as "Socony-Vacuum" for many years, then renamed Mobil in 1966. ^[14]

21st century

In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline (Phase II) was constructed about 1.5 miles west of Augusta, north to south through Butler County, with much controversy over tax exemption and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs). ^{[15] [16]}

Geography

Augusta is located at the confluence of the Walnut and Whitewater Rivers. It is located along the western edge of Butler County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.75 square miles (12.30 km²), of which, 4.23 square miles (10.96 km²) is land and 0.52 square miles (1.35 km²) is water. ^[17]

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Augusta has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[18]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	922		—
1890	1,343		45.7%
1900	1,197		−10.9%
1910	1,235		3.2%
1920	4,219		241.6%
1930	4,033		−4.4%
1940	3,821		−5.3%
1950	4,483		17.3%
1960	6,434		43.5%
1970	5,977		−7.1%
1980	6,968		16.6%
1990	7,876		13.0%
2000	8,423		6.9%
2010	9,274		10.1%
2020	9,256		−0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census 2010-2020 [4]

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 9,256 people, 3,670 households, and 2,423 families in Augusta. ^{[19] [20]} The population density was 2,182.0 per square mile (842.5/km²). There were 4,002 housing units at an average density of 943.4 per square mile (364.3/km²). ^{[20] [21]} The racial makeup was 88.41% (8,183) white or European American (86.11% non-Hispanic white), 0.51% (47) black or African-American, 0.92% (85) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.55% (51) Asian, 0.05% (5) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.44% (133) from other races, and 8.12% (752) from two or more races. ^[22] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.55% (514) of the population. ^[23]

Of the 3,670 households, 33.1% had children under the age of 18; 48.3% were married couples living together; 27.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 29.6% of households consisted of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[20] The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 2.9. ^[24] The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 15.5% of the population. ^[25]

26.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. ^[20] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.5 males. ^[20]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,274 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,044) and the median family income was $64,386 (+/- $7,473). ^[26] Males had a median income of $40,083 (+/- $9,827) versus $25,148 (+/- $8,132) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,611 (+/- $3,528). ^[27] Approximately, 8.4% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[28] [29]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[30] of 2010, there were 9,274 people, 3,669 households, and 2,448 families living in the city. ^[31] The population density was 2,192.4 inhabitants per square mile (846.5/km²). There were 3,951 housing units at an average density of 934.0 per square mile (360.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 0.4% African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4% of the population.

There were 3,669 households, of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 35.7 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, ^[32] there were 8,423 people, 3,277 households, and 2,307 families living in the city. The population density was 2,091.1 inhabitants per square mile (807.4/km²). There were 3,585 housing units at an average density of 890.0 per square mile (343.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White, 0.18% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.68% from other races, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 3,277 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,818, and the median income for a family was $51,886. Males had a median income of $36,465 versus $24,747 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,094. About 4.1% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education

The community is served by Augusta USD 402 public school district.

Landmarks

The Augusta Historic Theater, now home to the Augusta Arts Council, is a classic example of Art Deco. ^[33] Augusta is also home to the Kansas Museum of Military History (formerly Augusta Air Museum). The Augusta Historical Museum and the C.N. James Log Cabin are on the National Register of Historic Places. Also Henry's Sculpture Hill is located outside the cities limit. Augusta does offer an airport called the Augusta Municipal Airport.

Media

Augusta is home to the Butler County Times-Gazette (formerly various local newspaper companies including the Augusta Gazette, Andover American, and El Dorado Times), a tri-weekly newspaper covering Augusta and neighboring towns.

Notable people

• Madelyn Dunham — banker, grandmother of Barack Obama
• Edward R. Weidlein (1887–1983) — chemist ^[34]
• Bob Whittaker — U.S. Representative; resident of Augusta ^[35]

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, Kansas
  • C. N. James Cabin
  • Loomis–Parry Residence

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Augusta, Kansas
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Augusta, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
4. "QuickFacts; Augusta, Kansas; Population, Census, 2020 & 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on August 26, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
5. Mooney, Vol. P. (1916). History of Butler County Kansas. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  95.
6. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
7. Historic letters found in Augusta; KAKE tv; January 20, 2015.
8. Marion County Kansas : Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972.
9. Railway Abandonment 1942
10. "BNSF Railway".
11. "Register of Historic Kansas Places" (PDF).
12. [The Kingdom of Butler, Jessie Perry Stratford. 1970. Times Publishing Co., El Dorado, KS, and Intercollegiate Press, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. p. 117.]
13. [Stratford, p. 126.]
14. [Augusta, Kansas: 1868-1990, Allison, Burl Jr. 1993. Multi Business Press, Hillsboro, KS 67063,p. 86.]
15. Keystone Pipeline - Marion County Commission calls out Legislative Leadership on Pipeline Deal; April 18, 2010. Archived October 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
16. Keystone Pipeline - TransCanada inspecting pipeline; December 10, 2010.
17. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
18. Climate Summary for Augusta, Kansas
19. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
21. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
25. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
26. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
27. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
28. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
29. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
30. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
31. "2010 City Population and Housing Occupancy Status". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
32. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
33. "About Us, Augusta Historic Theatre" . Retrieved August 3, 2023.
34. Golightly, John (August 17, 1983). "E. R. Weidlein dies, smoke control pioneer". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . p. 10. Retrieved February 20, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
35. "WHITTAKER, Robert Russell, (1939 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 4, 2012.

Further reading

See also: List of books about Butler County, Kansas

External links

• City of Augusta
• Augusta - Directory of Public Officials
• GoAugusta - Chamber of Commerce
• Augusta City Map, KDOT