Matfield Green, Kansas

Matfield Green, Kansas
City
Location within Chase County and Kansas
KDOT map of Chase County (legend)
Coordinates: 38°9′35″N96°33′43″W / 38.15972°N 96.56194°W / 38.15972; -96.56194 [1]
Country	United States
State	Kansas
County	Chase
Township	Matfield
Incorporated	1924 [2]
Named for	Matfield, England
Government [2]
• Type	Mayor–Council
Area [3]
• Total	0.14 sq mi (0.37 km2)
• Land	0.14 sq mi (0.37 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation [1]	1,306 ft (398 m)
Population  (2020) [4]
• Total	49
• Density	350/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	66862
Area code	620
FIPS code	20-45150 [1]
GNIS ID	477807 [1]

Matfield Green is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 49. ^[4] It is located along K-177 highway.

History

Early history

See also: History of Kansas

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. The historic Native American tribes of Kansas are many, including the Kansa, or "Wind People," from whom the name of the state is derived. Also included are the related Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita. From the west and north ranged the Comanche and Apache, as well as the Kiowa, Cheyenne and Arapaho. ^[5]

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.

19th century

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. 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 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1859, Chase County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Matfield Green.

Matfield Green was named after Matfield, in England. ^[6] The village green at Matfield in Kent is known as Matfield Green. ^[7]

In 1870, Bazaar Township, Chase County, Kansas which includes Matfield Green had a population of 376, growing to 1,096 by 1880. ^[8] In its heyday, at the beginning of the 20th century, Matfield Green grew to about 350 residents and possessed a bank, grocery store, livery and blacksmith, hardware, flour mill and lumberyard, and even a hotel for visitors. It also had its own schools. A post office existed in Matfield Green from January 11, 1867 to September 30, 1995. ^[9]

Present

Like many small towns in Kansas, Matfield Green struggles to maintain its existence. It is helped by a small colony of artists and writers who work to preserve the community, along with the nearby historic Pioneer Bluffs ranch headquarters. ^[10] Additionally great conservation efforts have been made by both private individuals such as Texas billionaire Ed Bass and non profit organizations Nature Conservancy to combat development and preserve the Flint Hills, which is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. ^{[11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]}

Geography

Knute Rockne memorial at Kansas Turnpike Authority rest stop (2009)

Matfield Green is located at 38°09′35″N96°33′43″W / 38.159609°N 96.562013°W / 38.159609; -96.562013 (38.159609, -96.562013)., ^[17] in the scenic Flint Hills ^[18] of the Great Plains. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.14 square miles (0.36 km²), all of it land. ^[19]

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, Matfield Green has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[20]

Area attractions

Matfield Green has two ranches on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): Crocker Ranch ^[21] (NRHP). 1908-1940 Pioneer Bluffs Ranch ^[22] (NRHP), approximately 1 mile north on K-177 Highway. Pioneer Bluffs is an early twentieth century ranch, consisting of one dozen vintage farm buildings. ^{[23] [24]}

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	324		—
1930	182		—
1940	146		−19.8%
1950	119		−18.5%
1960	95		−20.2%
1970	77		−18.9%
1980	71		−7.8%
1990	33		−53.5%
2000	60		81.8%
2010	47		−21.7%
2020	49		4.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

Matfield Green is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 49 people, 28 households, and 17 families in Matfield Green. ^{[25] [26]} The population density was 345.1 per square mile (133.2/km²). There were 37 housing units at an average density of 260.6 per square mile (100.6/km²). ^{[26] [27]} The racial makeup was 95.92% (47) white or European American (95.92% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 4.08% (2) from other races, and 0.0% (0) from two or more races. ^[28] Hispanic or Latino of any race was 0.0% (0) of the population. ^[29]

Of the 28 households, 17.9% had children under the age of 18; 50.0% were married couples living together; 14.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 39.3% of households consisted of individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. ^[26] The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 3.6. ^[30]

22.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 2.0% from 18 to 24, 14.3% from 25 to 44, 40.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. ^[26] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 81.0 males. ^[26]

2010 census

As of the census ^[31] of 2010, there were 47 people, 24 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was 335.7 inhabitants per square mile (129.6/km²). There were 36 housing units at an average density of 257.1 per square mile (99.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 24 households, of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.2% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.73.

The median age in the city was 58.8 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 12.8% were from 25 to 44; 34.1% were from 45 to 64; and 36.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[32] of 2000, there were 60 people, 31 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was 314.9 inhabitants per square mile (121.6/km²). There were 34 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile (68.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 31 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, and 41.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.56.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.0% under the age of 18, 1.7% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,642. There were 19.0% of families and 19.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 35.7% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Government

The Matfield Green government consists of a mayor and five council members. The council meets the 1st Monday of each month at 7PM. ^[2]

• City Hall, 302 Orient Street.

Education

The community is served by Chase County USD 284 public school district. It has two schools.

• Chase County Junior/Senior High School, 600 Main St in Cottonwood Falls.
• Chase County Elementary School, 401 Maple St in Cottonwood Falls.

Matfield Green schools were closed through school unification. The Matfield Green High School mascot was Matfield Green Panthers. ^[33]

Infrastructure

Transportation

K-177 highway and Southern Transcon main line of BNSF Railway both pass through Matfield Green. The Kansas Turnpike toll road is close to Matfield Green, but a driver must exit the toll plaza in Cassoday and enter K-177 (Kansas highway) going north.

Utilities

• Internet
  • Satellite Internet is provided by HughesNet, StarBand, WildBlue.
• TV
  • Satellite TV is provided by DirecTV, Dish Network.
  • Free over-the-air ATSC digital TV.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Chase County, Kansas

References

1. "Matfield Green, Kansas", Geographic Names Information System , United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior
2. "City of Matfield Green". The League of Kansas Municipalities. May 26, 2019.
3. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2020.
4. "Profile of Matfield Green, Kansas in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
5. "Emporia State University, The Historic Indians of Kansas" . Retrieved August 3, 2023.
6. Heim, Michael (2007). Exploring Kansas Highways. p. 12. ISBN   9780974435886.
7. Ordnance Survey
8. "William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883, Chase County, Bazaar Township" . Retrieved August 3, 2023.
9. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived)". Kansas Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 9, 2013. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
10. "Center for Living Education , Matfield Green". Archived from the original on August 26, 2016.
11. "Flint Hills Ranch Listed for $8.58 Million". June 28, 2019.
12. Schuler, Timothy A. (2019). "The Middle of Everywhere". Places Journal (2019). doi: 10.22269/191112 . S2CID   214340391.
13. "Traveler - Musical Prairie".
14. "Program – Tallgrass Artist Residency".
15. "Couple protects Flint Hills land". September 2006.
16. "Posts in Flint Hills Coalition | Articles". December 3, 2012.
17. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
18. "Flint Hills Tourism Coalition". Archived from the original on August 10, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
19. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
20. Climate Summary for Matfield Green, Kansas
21. National Register of Historic Places - Crocker Ranch
22. National Register of Historic Places - Pioneer Bluffs Ranch
23. Pioneer Bluffs Ranch web site
24. 'PrairyErth' returns home; The Wichita Eagle, July 17, 2010
25. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
26. "US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
27. Bureau, US Census. "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
28. "US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
29. "US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
30. "US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES". data.census.gov. Retrieved January 16, 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. "Hold a Homecoming for Matfield Green Alumni", The Emporia Gazette, January 30, 1940, p.6.

Further reading

See also: List of books about Chase County, Kansas

External links

• Matfield Green - Directory of Public Officials
• Chase County Chamber of Commerce
• Matfield Green, a "Quiet" town in Chase County, Kansas, History and photographs.
• Rockne Memorial, site of the TWA crash that killed Knute Rockne.
• Matfield Green city map, KDOT
• Topo Map of Matfield Green area, USGS