Cloud County, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cloud County
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Cloud County Courthouse in Concordia (2013)
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Location within the U.S. state of Kansas
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 Kansas's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Kansas |
| Founded | March 27, 1867 |
| Named for | William F. Cloud |
| Seat | Concordia |
| Largest city | Concordia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 718 sq mi (1,860 km2) |
| • Land | 715 sq mi (1,850 km2) |
| • Water | 2.6 sq mi (7 km2) 0.4%% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 9,032 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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8,854  |
| • Density | 12.6/sq mi (4.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 785 |
| Congressional district | 1st |
Cloud County is a county in the state of Kansas, USA. Its main city and county seat is Concordia. In 2020, about 9,032 people lived there. The county got its name from William F. Cloud, who was an officer during the American Civil War.
Contents
History of Cloud County
Early Days
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic Native American tribes.
From the 1500s to the 1700s, France said they owned large parts of North America. In 1762, after a war, France secretly gave this land to Spain.
The 1800s
In 1802, Spain gave most of the land back to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area, including most of modern-day Kansas, from France. This was part of the Louisiana Purchase. It was a very big deal!
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was set up. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Cloud County was created in 1867.
Cloud County was first called "Shirley" county. It was later renamed "Cloud" to honor Colonel William F. Cloud. The county was officially organized on September 6, 1866.
In 1887, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a train line through the county. This line connected many towns, including Concordia. Even though the railroad company changed its name to BNSF Railway in 1996, many local people still call it the "Santa Fe."
Geography of Cloud County
Cloud County covers about 718 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Rivers and Lakes
The Republican River flows through the county from north to east. The Solomon River crosses the southwestern part of the county. Jamestown Lake is partly in the northwestern part of Cloud County.
Main Roads
U.S. Route 81 runs north to south through Cloud County. It passes through Concordia. This road connects to Belleville in the north and Salina in the south.
U.S. Route 24 crosses the southern part of the county. It connects to Clay Center to the east and Beloit to the west.
There are also four other state highways in the county: K-9, K-28, K-189, and K-194.
Neighboring Counties
Cloud County shares borders with these counties:
- Republic County (north)
- Washington County (northeast)
- Clay County (east)
- Ottawa County (south)
- Mitchell County (west)
- Jewell County (northwest)
People in Cloud County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 2,323 | — | |
| 1880 | 15,343 | 560.5% | |
| 1890 | 19,295 | 25.8% | |
| 1900 | 18,071 | −6.3% | |
| 1910 | 18,388 | 1.8% | |
| 1920 | 17,714 | −3.7% | |
| 1930 | 18,006 | 1.6% | |
| 1940 | 17,247 | −4.2% | |
| 1950 | 16,104 | −6.6% | |
| 1960 | 14,407 | −10.5% | |
| 1970 | 13,466 | −6.5% | |
| 1980 | 12,494 | −7.2% | |
| 1990 | 11,023 | −11.8% | |
| 2000 | 10,268 | −6.8% | |
| 2010 | 9,533 | −7.2% | |
| 2020 | 9,032 | −5.3% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 8,854 | −7.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020 |
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In 2000, there were 10,268 people living in Cloud County. The population density was about 14 people per square mile. Most people in the county were White (98.30%).
The average age of people in the county was 41 years old. About 22.40% of the population was under 18 years old.
Education in Cloud County
Cloud County has several schools and colleges.
Colleges
- Cloud County Community College in Concordia
School Districts
- Clifton-Clyde USD 224
- Concordia USD 333
- Southern Cloud USD 334
Communities in Cloud County
Cities
- Aurora
- Clyde
- Concordia
- Glasco
- Jamestown
- Miltonvale
- Simpson (partly in Mitchell County)
Small Towns and Areas
- Ames
- Como
- Cook
- Cool
- Hannum
- Hollis
- Huscher
- Lawrenceburg
- Macyville
- Meredith
- Minersville
- Nelson
- Oneonta
- Princeville
- Rice
- Rosaco
- Saint Joseph
- Sibley
- Sulphur Springs
- Yuma
Notable People from Cloud County
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Many interesting people have connections to Cloud County.
- Charles H. Blosser was a famous pilot. He was even called the oldest living licensed pilot in the United States at one point!
- Napoleon Bonaparte Brown was a soldier and businessman. He built the amazing Brown Grand Theatre in Concordia, Kansas. This theater is known as "the most elegant theater between Kansas City and Denver."
- Frank Carlson was an important politician from Kansas. He served as the 30th Governor of Kansas, and also as a Representative and Senator for Kansas. He lived in Concordia.
- Larry Hartshorn was a professional football player for the Chicago Cardinals. After his football career, he became a teacher and coach for 33 years at Concordia Junior-Senior High School. He even started the wrestling program there!
- Ernest C. Quigley was a well-known referee and umpire for basketball, baseball, and football. He grew up in Concordia, Kansas and later became the athletic director at the University of Kansas.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Cloud para niños
