Fredonia, Kansas

Fredonia, Kansas
City and County seat
Gold Dust Hotel (2016)
Location within Wilson County and Kansas
KDOT map of Wilson County (legend)
Coordinates: 37°32′2″N95°49′36″W / 37.53389°N 95.82667°W / 37.53389; -95.82667 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Wilson
Founded	1860s
Platted	1868
Incorporated	1871
Named for	Fredonia, New York
Area [2]
• Total	2.45 sq mi (6.34 km2)
• Land	2.44 sq mi (6.32 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation [1]	896 ft (273 m)
Population  (2020) [3]
• Total	2,151
• Density	880/sq mi (340/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	66736
Area code	620
FIPS code	20-24575 [1]
GNIS ID	475082 [1]
Website	fredoniaks.org

Fredonia is a city in and the county seat of Wilson County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,151. ^[3] The city was founded in 1868, and saw considerable expansion in the early 20th century, with a fossil fuel boom.

History

West side of town square, 1905

See also: History of Kansas

Fredonia was laid out in 1868 near a large hillock located along the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway in southeast Kansas. ^[4] It was named after Fredonia, New York. ^{[5] [6] [7]} The first building on the town site was a general store, erected in 1868, on the southwest corner of the town square, soon followed by a simple courthouse and hotel. ^[8] The first post office was established in August 1868. ^[9] The Gold Dust Hotel was completed in 1885.

It became a booming town with an emphasis on large industry. ^[10] In May 1913, a large vein of semi-anthracite coal was discovered near the town. ^[11] The coal that was found was “said to be of better quality than any other found in Kansas” at that time. ^[11] With this discovery, it had the possibility of bringing in large amounts of money for the Wilson County area. A cement plant opened in Fredonia in 1907, supplying jobs to the community for more than 100 years, before it was closed in 2012. ^[12] The economy in Fredonia was again boosted by the Archer Daniels Midland Company. The plant was obtained in 1928 and operated as a soybean processing facility and supplied many jobs for the growing industrial town. ^[13] In March 2003 the plant announced it would close its Fredonia branch effective immediately. ^[13] At one time, Fredonia was a hub for oil and natural gas development. ^[10]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.45 square miles (6.35 km²), of which, 2.44 square miles (6.32 km²) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) is water. ^[14]

Climate

The area climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Fredonia has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[15] On July 18, 1936, Fredonia set the Kansas record high temperature of 121 °F. This record was later tied by Alton, Kansas. ^[16]

In late June and early July 2007, Fredonia was one of several communities in Southeast Kansas to experience record flooding. ^[17] On the night of June 29, at least 10 inches of rainfall was recorded and additional rainfall fell over the weekend of June 30 and July 1. On the night of June 30, a Topeka television station reported on its website that 100 people in Wilson County had lost their homes due to the flooding.^{[ citation needed ]}

Climate data for Fredonia, Kansas, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	75 (24)	88 (31)	94 (34)	98 (37)	99 (37)	110 (43)	121 (49)	116 (47)	111 (44)	100 (38)	86 (30)	79 (26)	121 (49)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	66.9 (19.4)	69.4 (20.8)	79.3 (26.3)	84.4 (29.1)	88.9 (31.6)	93.9 (34.4)	99.9 (37.7)	99.4 (37.4)	95.7 (35.4)	86.6 (30.3)	76.9 (24.9)	67.2 (19.6)	101.6 (38.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	42.8 (6.0)	48.5 (9.2)	58.0 (14.4)	67.8 (19.9)	76.1 (24.5)	85.0 (29.4)	90.3 (32.4)	89.6 (32.0)	81.7 (27.6)	70.1 (21.2)	57.5 (14.2)	45.6 (7.6)	67.8 (19.9)
Daily mean °F (°C)	32.3 (0.2)	37.0 (2.8)	46.3 (7.9)	56.1 (13.4)	66.0 (18.9)	75.2 (24.0)	79.9 (26.6)	78.4 (25.8)	70.2 (21.2)	58.0 (14.4)	46.1 (7.8)	35.8 (2.1)	56.8 (13.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	21.5 (−5.8)	25.5 (−3.6)	34.6 (1.4)	44.3 (6.8)	55.9 (13.3)	65.3 (18.5)	69.4 (20.8)	67.2 (19.6)	58.6 (14.8)	45.9 (7.7)	34.7 (1.5)	25.6 (−3.6)	45.7 (7.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	3.9 (−15.6)	9.9 (−12.3)	17.8 (−7.9)	28.1 (−2.2)	38.9 (3.8)	52.5 (11.4)	59.7 (15.4)	55.9 (13.3)	42.1 (5.6)	28.2 (−2.1)	18.8 (−7.3)	7.5 (−13.6)	−0.5 (−18.1)
Record low °F (°C)	−21 (−29)	−15 (−26)	−7 (−22)	12 (−11)	26 (−3)	43 (6)	47 (8)	44 (7)	25 (−4)	14 (−10)	3 (−16)	−15 (−26)	−21 (−29)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	1.19 (30)	1.48 (38)	2.76 (70)	4.31 (109)	5.80 (147)	6.11 (155)	4.08 (104)	4.15 (105)	4.20 (107)	3.58 (91)	2.31 (59)	1.80 (46)	41.77 (1,061)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	2.9 (7.4)	0.8 (2.0)	0.4 (1.0)	0.1 (0.25)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	2.3 (5.8)	6.5 (16.45)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	3.6	3.1	6.3	7.3	8.3	7.7	6.8	5.8	5.4	6.7	4.1	3.8	68.9
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	1.4	0.5	0.1	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.8	3.0
Source 1: NOAA [18]
Source 2: National Weather Service [19]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	923		—
1890	1,515		64.1%
1900	1,650		8.9%
1910	3,040		84.2%
1920	3,954		30.1%
1930	3,446		−12.8%
1940	3,524		2.3%
1950	3,257		−7.6%
1960	3,233		−0.7%
1970	3,080		−4.7%
1980	3,047		−1.1%
1990	2,599		−14.7%
2000	2,600		0.0%
2010	2,482		−4.5%
2020	2,151		−13.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 2,151 people, 933 households, and 529 families in Fredonia. ^{[20] [21]} The population density was 881.9 per square mile (340.5/km²). There were 1,168 housing units at an average density of 478.9 per square mile (184.9/km²). ^{[21] [22]} The racial makeup was 90.24% (1,941) white or European American (88.98% non-Hispanic white), 0.05% (1) black or African-American, 0.93% (20) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.65% (14) Asian, 0.05% (1) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.07% (23) from other races, and 7.02% (151) from two or more races. ^[23] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 4.18% (90) of the population. ^[24]

Of the 933 households, 26.8% had children under the age of 18; 38.0% were married couples living together; 34.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 37.4% of households consisted of individuals and 20.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[21] The average household size was 2.2 and the average family size was 2.8. ^[25] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 11.4% of the population. ^[26]

22.7% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.4 males. ^[21] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 112.1 males. ^[21]

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $48,320 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,276) and the median family income was $67,946 (+/- $10,230). ^[27] Males had a median income of $31,892 (+/- $7,668) versus $27,955 (+/- $6,673) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $31,037 (+/- $2,784). ^[28] Approximately, 13.3% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under the age of 18 and 15.8% of those ages 65 or over. ^{[29] [30]}

2010 census

As of the census ^[31] of 2010, there were 2,482 people, 1,048 households, and 630 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,017.2 inhabitants per square mile (392.7/km²). There were 1,255 housing units at an average density of 514.3 per square mile (198.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% White, 0.1% African American, 1.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 1,048 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.9% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 40.5 years. 24.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 23.5% were from 45 to 64; and 21.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[32] of 2000, there were 2,600 people, 1,135 households, and 703 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,083.4 inhabitants per square mile (418.3/km²). There were 1,297 housing units at an average density of 540.5 per square mile (208.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.27% White, 0.38% African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.50% of the population.

There were 1,135 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,539, and the median income for a family was $34,459. Males had a median income of $28,657 versus $19,231 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,593. About 8.6% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Top employers

List of top employers in Fredonia: ^[33]

#	Employer	# of Employees
1	A-Lert	475
2	Fredonia USD 484	157
3	Fredonia Regional Hospital	109
4	Wilson County	100
5	Kansas Bank Note	65
6	Systech	45
7	RK Steel	44
8	City Of Fredonia	41
9	LaDow & Spohn	33

Government

Fredonia is classified as a second class city of Kansas, thus the city has a mayor-commission body with an elected mayor and two elected commissioners. The commissioners are not vested with any supervisory powers over specific departments. The city commission appoints a city administrator, who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of all city officers and employees. ^[34]

The mayor of Fredonia is Bob McKenney. Bill Jones and Brandon Tindle are the two elected commissioners. Kelley Zellner is the City Administrator of Fredonia. ^[35]

Education

The community is served by Fredonia USD 484 public school district. The mascot for each of the district's two schools is the yellowjacket. ^[36]

Notable people

• Marcus B. Bell, U.S. Army brigadier general ^{[37] [38] [39]}
• George Malone, (1890–1961), US Senator of Nevada, World War I veteran, civil engineer.
• Don Myers, member of the Kansas House of Representatives.
• Benjamin Paulen, (1869–1961), 23rd Governor of Kansas.
• Charles Stokes, (1902-1996), Member of the Washington House of Representatives
• Kendall Trainor, (born 1967), All-American placekicker for the University of Arkansas.

References

1. "Fredonia, Kansas", Geographic Names Information System , United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
3. "Profile of Fredonia, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
4. Blackmar, Frank Wilson (1912). Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. Standard Publishing Company. pp.  685.
5. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp.  131.
6. Kansas State Historical Society (1916). Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society. Kansas State Printing Plant. pp.  314.
7. Duncan, L. Wallace (1902). History of Neosho and Wilson Counties, Kansas. Monitor Printing Company. p. 882.
8. kancoll.com
9. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
10. "27 Mar 1904, Page 12 - The Topeka Daily Capital at". Newspapers.com. March 27, 1904. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
11. "29 May 1913, Page 1 - The Chanute Daily Tribune at". Newspapers.com. May 29, 1913. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
12. Lafarge North America Inc. (October 14, 2011). "Lafarge Announces Plans to Close its Fredonia, KS Cement Plant". Lafarge North America Inc. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
13. "ADM to Close Fredonia, Kansas Soy Processing Facility".
14. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
15. Climate Summary for Fredonia, Kansas
16. Enloe. "State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) | Extremes | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)". www.ncdc.noaa.gov. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
17. "June-July 2007 Historic southeast Kansas flooding".
18. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Fredonia, KS". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
19. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Wichita". National Weather Service. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
20. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
21. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
22. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
23. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
24. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
25. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
26. "US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
27. "US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
28. "US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
29. "US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
30. "US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
31. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 6, 2012.
32. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
33. "Largest Employers; City of Fredonia".
34. "City Hall | Fredonia, KS - Official Website".
35. "City Departments | Fredonia, KS - Official Website".
36. School District Website Archived February 4, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
37. "10th Infantry Chief to Quit". The Parsons Sun. Parsons, KS. Associated Press. October 11, 1951. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
38. "Col. Bell Named 81st Assistant Commander". Dothan Eagle . Dothan, AL. December 14, 1942. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
39. "To Observe Golden Wedding". Corpus Christi Caller-Times . Corpus Christi Caller, TX. August 23, 1936. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.

Further reading

• Kansas portal

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

See also: List of books about Wilson County, Kansas

External links

• City of Fredonia
• Fredonia - Directory of Public Officials
• USD 484, local school district
• Fredonia city map, KDOT