Council Grove, Kansas

Council Grove, Kansas
City and County seat
Downtown Council Grove (2012)
Location within Morris County and Kansas
KDOT map of Morris County (legend)
Coordinates: 38°39′38″N96°29′23″W / 38.66056°N 96.48972°W / 38.66056; -96.48972 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Morris
Incorporated	1887 [2]
Government [2]
• Type	Mayor–Council
•  Mayor	Debi Schwerdtfeger
Area [3]
• Total	2.06 sq mi (5.32 km2)
• Land	2.04 sq mi (5.29 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
Elevation [1]	1,234 ft (376 m)
Population  (2020) [4]
• Total	2,140
• Density	1,000/sq mi (400/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes	66846, 66873
Area code	620
FIPS code	20-15925 [1]
GNIS ID	477021 [1]
Website	cityofcouncilgrove.com

Council Grove is a city in and the county seat of Morris County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,140. ^[4] It was named after an agreement between American settlers and the Osage Nation allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass westward through the area on the Santa Fe Trail. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band together for their trip west.

History

1915-1918 Railroad Map of Morris County.

Historic Rawlinson-Terwilliger Stone Home, 803 West Main Street (2021)

See also: History of Kansas

Council Grove was a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The first European-American settler was Seth M. Hays, who came to the area in 1847 to trade with the Kaw tribe, which had a reservation established in the area in 1846. Hays was a great-grandson of Daniel Boone.

The Main street in Council Grove is the old Santa Fe Trail. The Rawlinson-Terwilliger Home, 803 West Main Street, is the oldest stone home on the Santa Fe Trail and houses the Trail Days Cafe & Museum.

A post office was established in Council Grove on February 26, 1855. ^[5]

In 1858, the town was officially incorporated by the legislature. ^[6] Hays also opened a restaurant in 1857, the Hays House, which is said to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River.

The town has 15 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One is the Post Office Oak. Travelers left their mail in this designated tree to be picked up by others going in the right direction. General Custer of the United States Army slept here with his troops during the American Civil War, under a large tree known now as the Custer Elm.

The National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and was routed through Herington, Delavan, Council Grove.

In 1943, German and Italian prisoners of World War II were brought to Kansas and other Midwest states as a means of solving the labor shortage caused by American men serving in the war effort. Large internment camps were established in Kansas: Camp Concordia, Camp Funston (at Fort Riley), Camp Phillips (at Salina under Fort Riley). Fort Riley established 12 smaller branch camps, including Council Grove. ^[7]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.01 square miles (5.21 km²), of which, 1.99 square miles (5.15 km²) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km²) is water. ^[8] The city is fifty-five miles southwest of Topeka.

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, Council Grove has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[9]

Climate data for Council Grove, Kansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1908–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	76 (24)	82 (28)	95 (35)	95 (35)	101 (38)	112 (44)	115 (46)	115 (46)	111 (44)	99 (37)	88 (31)	76 (24)	115 (46)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	63.6 (17.6)	69.7 (20.9)	79.4 (26.3)	86.4 (30.2)	90.3 (32.4)	95.0 (35.0)	101.2 (38.4)	100.1 (37.8)	94.7 (34.8)	87.7 (30.9)	75.5 (24.2)	65.4 (18.6)	102.8 (39.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	40.2 (4.6)	45.3 (7.4)	56.3 (13.5)	66.5 (19.2)	75.4 (24.1)	85.1 (29.5)	90.2 (32.3)	89.1 (31.7)	81.3 (27.4)	69.3 (20.7)	55.4 (13.0)	43.5 (6.4)	66.5 (19.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)	29.9 (−1.2)	34.2 (1.2)	44.7 (7.1)	55.0 (12.8)	65.2 (18.4)	74.8 (23.8)	79.8 (26.6)	78.0 (25.6)	69.5 (20.8)	57.1 (13.9)	44.2 (6.8)	33.6 (0.9)	55.5 (13.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	19.7 (−6.8)	23.2 (−4.9)	33.1 (0.6)	43.5 (6.4)	54.9 (12.7)	64.5 (18.1)	69.3 (20.7)	66.9 (19.4)	57.8 (14.3)	44.8 (7.1)	33.0 (0.6)	23.7 (−4.6)	44.5 (6.9)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	0.1 (−17.7)	5.3 (−14.8)	14.3 (−9.8)	27.3 (−2.6)	38.9 (3.8)	51.3 (10.7)	58.2 (14.6)	55.4 (13.0)	41.8 (5.4)	27.4 (−2.6)	16.1 (−8.8)	6.4 (−14.2)	−3.6 (−19.8)
Record low °F (°C)	−21 (−29)	−23 (−31)	−9 (−23)	2 (−17)	25 (−4)	39 (4)	44 (7)	40 (4)	28 (−2)	14 (−10)	−6 (−21)	−24 (−31)	−24 (−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.76 (19)	1.26 (32)	2.24 (57)	3.42 (87)	5.15 (131)	4.87 (124)	4.41 (112)	4.42 (112)	3.19 (81)	2.42 (61)	1.73 (44)	1.12 (28)	34.99 (889)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	4.0 (10)	2.9 (7.4)	1.2 (3.0)	0.2 (0.51)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.4 (1.0)	0.5 (1.3)	2.8 (7.1)	12.0 (30)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	5.0	5.1	7.2	9.4	11.2	9.2	9.2	8.9	7.3	7.0	5.4	4.8	89.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	2.6	1.6	0.6	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	1.8	7.2
Source: NOAA [10] [11] [12]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1870	712		—
1880	1,042		46.3%
1890	2,211		112.2%
1900	2,265		2.4%
1910	2,545		12.4%
1920	2,857		12.3%
1930	2,898		1.4%
1940	2,875		−0.8%
1950	2,722		−5.3%
1960	2,664		−2.1%
1970	2,403		−9.8%
1980	2,381		−0.9%
1990	2,228		−6.4%
2000	2,321		4.2%
2010	2,182		−6.0%
2020	2,140		−1.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 2,140 people, 912 households, and 528 families in Council Grove. ^{[13] [14]} The population density was 1,002.3 per square mile (387.0/km²). There were 1,050 housing units at an average density of 491.8 per square mile (189.9/km²). ^{[14] [15]} The racial makeup was 90.89% (1,945) white or European American (88.18% non-Hispanic white), 0.23% (5) black or African-American, 0.33% (7) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.23% (5) Asian, 0.05% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 2.15% (46) from other races, and 6.12% (131) from two or more races. ^[16] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 7.1% (152) of the population. ^[17]

Of the 912 households, 29.6% had children under the age of 18; 43.3% were married couples living together; 31.2% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 36.6% of households consisted of individuals and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[14] The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.1. ^[18] The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 20.5% of the population. ^[19]

23.8% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 23.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. ^[14] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 112.8 males. ^[14]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $49,519 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,824) and the median family income was $64,722 (+/- $5,171). ^[20] Males had a median income of $30,238 (+/- $8,095) versus $27,649 (+/- $1,905) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $27,799 (+/- $2,339). ^[21] Approximately, 5.0% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.5% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[22] [23]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[24] of 2010, there were 2,182 people, 991 households, and 565 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,096.5 inhabitants per square mile (423.4/km²). There were 1,107 housing units at an average density of 556.3 per square mile (214.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.8% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, ^[25] 0.2% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.0% of the population.

There were 991 households, of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.0% were non-families. 39.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 45.9 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.1% were from 45 to 64; and 24.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[26] of 2000, there were 2,321 people, 1,002 households, and 634 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,293.2 inhabitants per square mile (499.3/km²). There were 1,099 housing units at an average density of 612.3 per square mile (236.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.23% White, 0.26% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.47% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.11% of the population.

There were 1,002 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,949, and the median income for a family was $37,061. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,189. About 7.4% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

Area events

• Heritage Rendezvous
• Washunga Days

Area attractions

• Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park
• Kaw Mission State Historic Site
• 1857 Hays House
• Madonna of the Trail monument
• Trail Days Historic Site

Presently, both the Council Grove Reservoir and the City Lake are popular for recreational activities. While both lakes are open to the public and motorized boats, most of the land around the City Lake is leased to the owners of over three hundred lake houses. Building is restricted on the larger Council Grove Reservoir but there are many well-positioned camp sites. Excellent fishing is found on these lakes as well. Walleye, crappie, white bass, and many more fish are in both the Council Grove Reservoir and the City Lake.

Education

Aerial photo of Council Grove (2013)

The community is served by Morris County USD 417 public school district. ^[27] Council Grove High School is a high school located at 129 Hockaday St., Council Grove. Students from the surrounding areas travel to Council Grove to attend high school. ^[28] Council Grove Middle School includes grades 6 through 8 and is located at 706 E Main St. Council Grove Elementary School includes kindergarten through the 5th grade and is attached to the middle school. The athletic teams are known as the Braves.

Transportation

Council Grove was located on the National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, that was established in 1912.

Notable people

• Charles Curtis Vice President of the United States under Herbert Hoover 1929 - 1933, member Kaw Indian tribe.
• Don Harvey, actor
• Clara Hazelrigg, author, educator, social reformer
• James Miller, U.S. Representative from Kansas
• John Rhodes, United States House of Representatives from Arizona 1952 - 1983, House Republican Leader 1973 - 1981

Gallery

• Historic Images of Council Grove, Special Photo Collections at Wichita State University Library

• 
  Historic Farmers and Drovers Bank building (2012)
• 
  1894 Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Depot (2015)
• 
  Morris County Historical Society, previously was a Carnegie Library (2015)
• 
  Madonna of the Trail monument in Council Grove (2005)
• 
  Council Oak at Council Grove (1912)
• 
  1857 Historic Last Chance Store (1958)

See also

• Kansas portal

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, Kansas
  • Council Grove Historic District
• Santa Fe Trail
• National Old Trails Road

References

1. "Council Grove, Kansas", Geographic Names Information System , United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior
2. "City of Council Grove". The League of Kansas Municipalities. May 27, 2019.
3. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
4. "Profile of Council Grove, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
5. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961". Kansas Historical Society. Retrieved June 15, 2014.
6. History of the State of Kansas: Containing a Full Account of Its Growth from an Uninhabited Territory to a Wealthy and Important State. A. T. Andreas. 1883. p.  803.
7. List of Prisoner Of War (POW) Camps in Kansas
8. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
9. Climate Summary for Council Grove, Kansas
10. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
11. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
12. "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
13. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
14. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
15. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
16. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
17. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
18. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
22. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
24. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
25. "The Santa Fe Trail", Disaster At The Colorado, Utah State University Press, pp. 13–22, doi:10.2307/j.ctt46nx9w.5, ISBN   978-0-87421-461-1 , retrieved April 18, 2021
26. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
27. USD 417 website.
28. "Council Grove High School", Great Schools

Further reading

See also: List of books about Kansas, including historical information about its counties and cities

See also: List of books about Morris County, Kansas

See also: List of books about Santa Fe Trail

• The Story of Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail; 2nd Ed; Lalla Maloy Brigham; 176 pages; 1921.

External links

City

• City of Council Grove
• Council Grove - Directory of Public Officials
• Council Grove Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Historical

• Hays House on YouTube, from Hatteberg's People on KAKE TV news
• Historic Images of Council Grove, Special Photo Collections at Wichita State University Library
• Kansas Photo Tour - Council Grove
• Council Grove 19th Century History
• Historical information about Council Grove

Maps

• Council Grove city map, KDOT