Augusta, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Augusta, Kansas
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Location within Butler County and Kansas
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Kansas | |
| County | Butler | |
| Founded | 1868 | |
| Incorporated | 1871 | |
| Named for | Augusta James | |
| Area | ||
| • 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 | 1,283 ft (391 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 9,256 | |
| • Density | 1,900.6/sq mi (733.4/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP code |
67010
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| Area code | 316 | |
| FIPS code | 20-03300 | |
| GNIS ID | 485543 | |
Augusta is a city in Butler County, Kansas, in the United States. It's home to about 9,256 people, according to the 2020 census. You can find Augusta just east of Wichita, right along the U.S. Route 54 / 400 highway.
Contents
History of Augusta
How Augusta Started
Long ago, the area where the Whitewater River and the Walnut River meet was home to the Osage people. They loved this land because it was perfect for hunting and fishing.
In 1868, a person named C. N. James settled here. He built a log cabin that was also a general store and a place for trading. Around the same time, a post office opened. C. N. James was the first postmaster, and he named the town and post office after his wife, Augusta James.
Railroads Arrive
In 1877, a railroad company built a train line from Florence to El Dorado. This line was later extended to Douglass and then to Arkansas City. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway operated this line.
Even today, the Santa Fe (now called BNSF) still uses tracks through Augusta. Their brick train station, built in 1916–1917, is at 301 E. Fifth St. Another railroad, the St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad, also had a station in Augusta starting in 1880.
Oil Discovery in the 20th Century
A big change happened in 1914 when oil was found near Augusta. This discovery, and more oil found in Butler County, caused Augusta's population to double between 1910 and 1920.
Finding oil meant many jobs in drilling and refining. In 1916, L. L. Marcell started the White Eagle Oil Company in Augusta. Other early oil companies included Walnut Refining Company and Lakeside Refinery. Later, White Eagle was bought by Standard Oil, which eventually became Mobil.
Augusta in the 21st Century
In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline was built about 1.5 miles west of Augusta. This pipeline runs north to south through Butler County. There was some discussion about taxes and environmental worries related to the pipeline.
Geography and Climate
Where is Augusta Located?
Augusta is located where the Walnut River and Whitewater River meet. It's on the western edge of Butler County.
The city covers about 4.75 square miles (12.3 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 4.23 square miles (10.96 square kilometers), is land. The rest, about 0.52 square miles (1.35 square kilometers), is water.
Augusta's Climate
Augusta has a climate with hot, humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is known as a humid subtropical climate.
Population and People
How Many People Live in Augusta?
Augusta has grown quite a bit over the years. Here's a look at how the population has changed:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 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 |
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Augusta's Population in 2020
The 2020 United States census counted 9,256 people living in Augusta. There were 3,670 households, which are groups of people living together.
Most people in Augusta are white or European American. There are also people from other backgrounds, including African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander. About 5.55% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
About 26.4% of the people in Augusta are under 18 years old. The average age in the city is 37.7 years.
Education in Augusta
Augusta Public Schools
The public schools in Augusta are part of the Augusta USD 402 school district. This district serves the community's students.
Fun Places to Visit in Augusta
What Landmarks Can You Find?
Augusta has several interesting places to visit:
- The Augusta Historic Theater is a beautiful old building. It's a great example of Art Deco style and is now home to the Augusta Arts Council.
- You can learn about military history at the Kansas Museum of Military History.
- The Augusta Historical Museum and the C.N. James Log Cabin are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Outside the city, you can find Henry's Sculpture Hill, which features unique sculptures.
- Augusta also has its own airport, the Augusta Municipal Airport.
News and Media
Augusta's Local Newspaper
Augusta has a local newspaper called the Butler County Times-Gazette. This paper comes out three times a week and covers news from Augusta and nearby towns.
Famous People from Augusta
- Madelyn Dunham — She was a banker and the grandmother of former U.S. President Barack Obama.
- Edward R. Weidlein (1887–1983) — A well-known chemist.
- Bob Whittaker — He was a U.S. Representative and lived in Augusta.
See also
In Spanish: Augusta (Kansas) para niños
