Canada, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canada, Kansas
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 Canada, Kansas
Location in Kansas
Canada, Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Marion |
| Township | Gale |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Platted | 1883 |
| Named for | Canada |
| Elevation | 1,362 ft (415 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-10350 |
| GNIS ID | 477365 |
Canada is a small, unincorporated community in Marion County, Kansas, United States. An "unincorporated community" means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. The community got its name because many Canadian immigrants moved to this area a long time ago.
It is located between the towns of Hillsboro and Marion. You can find it about half a mile south of where Nighthawk Road meets U.S. Route 56. It's also southwest of the Hillsboro Cove, which is part of the Marion Reservoir.
History of Canada, Kansas
Early Days in Kansas
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic Native American tribes. They moved around to hunt and gather food.
From the 1500s to the 1700s, France claimed a large part of North America. This included the area that is now Kansas. In 1762, after a war, France secretly gave this land to Spain.
19th Century Beginnings
In 1802, Spain gave most of this land back to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area of land from France. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. It included most of what is now Kansas. The U.S. paid about 2.83 cents per acre for this land.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was set up. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Marion County, where Canada is located, was created in 1855.
A man named David Christie, who was a leader in Canada's government, sent his sons to buy land here. They bought about 3 square miles of land. Many Canadian immigrants then moved to this area. This is why the community was named Canada.
The community of Canada was officially planned out on December 15, 1883. However, it never became an incorporated town with its own government. Canada had a Post Office that served the community from 1884 until 1954.
Railroad Connections
Around 1875, leaders in Marion wanted a railroad line to connect their town. In 1878, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and local groups started the Marion and McPherson Railway Company.
A railroad line was built from Florence to McPherson in 1879. It was later extended to other towns. This line was used by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
The part of the line from Florence to Marion was closed in 1968. In 1992, the line from Marion to McPherson was sold. After major flood damage in 1993, the railroad line that went through Canada was closed and removed.
20th and 21st Century Events
Between 1964 and 1968, the Marion Reservoir was built north of Canada. This large lake is now a popular spot for recreation.
In August 2015, a film crew from Toronto, Canada, visited Canada, Kansas. They interviewed local residents and gave out new shoes. This was for a TV commercial that aired in Canada.
Geography of Canada, Kansas
Canada is located at coordinates 38.3541802, -97.1128030. It is in the beautiful Flint Hills and Great Plains regions of Kansas. The community is about halfway between the towns of Marion and Hillsboro.
Places to Visit Near Canada
- Marion Reservoir: This large lake is about 1 mile (2 km) north of Canada. The Hillsboro cove of the reservoir is the closest part to the community. You can find different access points along US-56.
Education in Canada
The community of Canada is part of the Marion–Florence USD 408 public school district. All students living in Canada attend schools located in Marion.
- Marion High School: For older students.
- Marion Middle School: For middle school students.
- Marion Elementary School: For younger students.
Marion High School is also part of T.E.E.N. This is a special video teaching network shared among five area high schools.
Local Media
Print Newspapers
- Marion County Record: This is the county newspaper, published in Marion.
- Hillsboro Free Press: This is a free newspaper that covers the larger Marion County area.
Community Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Route 56 highway is located about 0.5 miles north of Canada. This highway provides an important connection for the community.
Utilities and Services
- Internet: Satellite internet services are available from providers like HughesNet, StarBand, and WildBlue.
- Television: You can get satellite TV from DirecTV and Dish Network. Local digital TV stations also provide channels.
- Electricity: Electricity for homes and rural areas is provided by Flint Hills RECA.
- Water: Water services for the community and surrounding rural areas are provided by Marion County RWD #4.
