Canton, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canton, Kansas
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Canton Township Carnegie Library (2013)
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Location within McPherson County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | McPherson |
| Founded | 1870s |
| Platted | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1880 |
| Named for | Canton, Ohio |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.50 sq mi (1.29 km2) |
| • Land | 0.50 sq mi (1.29 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,591 ft (485 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 685 |
| • Density | 1,370/sq mi (531.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67428
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-10475 |
| GNIS ID | 2393735 |
Canton is a small city located in McPherson County, Kansas, in the United States. In 2020, about 685 people lived there. The city was named after Canton, Ohio, because an early settler came from that state.
History of Canton
Early Beginnings
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic Native American groups. These groups moved from place to place, often following animal herds.
Between the 1500s and 1700s, France claimed control over large parts of North America. In 1762, after a war with Great Britain, France secretly gave its land, called New France, to Spain. This was part of a deal known as the Treaty of Fontainebleau.
19th Century Development
In 1802, Spain returned most of this land to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area of land from France. This deal was called the Louisiana Purchase. It included most of what is now Kansas. The U.S. paid a very small amount per acre for this vast territory.
From the 1820s to the 1870s, the Santa Fe Trail was an important trade route. It passed southeast of where Canton is today. Markers for the trail can still be found near Canton. The trail was used in McPherson County from 1821 to 1866.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Then, in 1861, Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state. McPherson County, where Canton is located, was established in 1867.
Railroads played a big part in Canton's growth. In 1879, a railroad line was built through the area. This led to the creation of a small village. By 1880, the village had grown to over 300 people and was officially made a city. It was named Canton after Canton, Ohio.
Another railroad, the Rock Island, built a main line through Canton in 1887. This line connected Canton to other cities and helped the area grow. Many local people still call this railroad the "Rock Island."
Geography of Canton
Canton covers a total area of about 0.50 square miles (1.29 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water.
Fun Places to Visit
Canton has some interesting places to see and things to do:
- McPherson County Fairgrounds: The annual McPherson County Fair has been held in Canton since 1948. It's a great place for local fun and events.
- Maxwell Wildlife Refuge: About six miles north of Canton, you can find the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. This special area protects natural prairie land. Here, you can see about 200 bison and 50 elk roaming freely. It was created so future generations could experience Kansas as it was long ago.
- Unique Water Towers: Canton has two water towers that are painted with the words "HOT" (in red) and "COLD" (in blue). These words were added in 1956 as a fun tourist attraction. Even though they say "hot" and "cold," both tanks hold water at a normal temperature!
Canton's Population
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 396 | — | |
| 1890 | 420 | 6.1% | |
| 1900 | 493 | 17.4% | |
| 1910 | 684 | 38.7% | |
| 1920 | 700 | 2.3% | |
| 1930 | 728 | 4.0% | |
| 1940 | 796 | 9.3% | |
| 1950 | 771 | −3.1% | |
| 1960 | 784 | 1.7% | |
| 1970 | 893 | 13.9% | |
| 1980 | 926 | 3.7% | |
| 1990 | 794 | −14.3% | |
| 2000 | 829 | 4.4% | |
| 2010 | 748 | −9.8% | |
| 2020 | 685 | −8.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Information
In 2020, the census counted 685 people living in Canton. There were 283 households and 185 families. Most of the people (about 95%) were white. A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds.
About 30% of households had children under 18. Nearly half of the households were married couples living together. The average household had 2.5 people. The average family had 2.9 people.
About 24% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age in Canton was 37.4 years. This means half the people were younger than 37.4, and half were older.
2010 Census Information
The census in 2010 showed that 748 people lived in Canton. There were 301 households and 205 families. Most residents (about 97%) were White.
About 33% of households had children under 18. Most households (55.8%) were married couples. The average household size was 2.49 people.
The median age in 2010 was 37.9 years. About 25% of residents were under 18. About 16% were 65 years or older.
Education in Canton
The schools in Canton are part of the Canton-Galva USD 419 public school district. This district serves both Canton and the nearby town of Galva.
The schools include:
- Canton-Galva Elementary School (in Canton)
- Canton-Galva Middle School (in Galva)
- Canton-Galva High School (in Canton)
Canton and Galva schools joined together in 1972. Their high school team mascot is the Eagles. Before this, Canton High School's mascot was the Tigers.
Media and News
You can find news and information about Canton from several sources:
- Hillsboro Free Press: A free newspaper for the wider Marion County area.
- McPherson Sentinel: A newspaper from McPherson that covers the region.
- The Salina Journal: A regional newspaper from Salina.
City Services
Utilities and Internet
Canton has several services that help the city run smoothly:
- Internet: You can get internet service through wireless providers like Pixius Communications. Satellite internet is also available from companies like HughesNet and WildBlue.
- TV: Satellite TV is offered by DirecTV and Dish Network. You can also get local digital TV channels.
- Electricity: Westar Energy provides electricity to the city.
- Gas: Kansas Gas Service provides natural gas.
- Water: The City of Canton provides water to its residents. Rural areas get water from Marion County RWD #4.
- Sewer: The City of Canton also manages sewer services.
- Trash: Trash collection is handled by McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility.
See also
In Spanish: Canton (Kansas) para niños
