Durham, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Durham, Kansas
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Downtown Durham (2010)
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Location within Marion County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Marion |
| Township | Durham Park |
| Platted | 1887 (Durham) 1887 (Funk) |
| Incorporated | 1906 |
| Named for | Durham cattle |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.17 sq mi (0.45 km2) |
| • Land | 0.17 sq mi (0.45 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,371 ft (418 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 89 |
| • Density | 524/sq mi (198/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67438
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-19050 |
| GNIS ID | 2394582 |
Durham is a small city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. In 2020, about 89 people lived there. The city got its name from a type of cow called Durham cattle. It is located about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) north of Hillsboro. You can find it on the west side of the K-15 highway, right next to a railroad.
History of Durham
Early Days in Kansas
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic (traveling) Native American tribes.
In the 16th to 18th centuries, France claimed much of North America. Then, in 1762, France secretly gave this land to Spain after a war.
The 1800s and Growth
In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. A year later, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area, including what is now Kansas, from France. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. It was a massive deal, adding 828,000 square miles (2,140,000 km2) to the U.S.
In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike traveled west from Missouri. Part of his journey took him through Marion County, near where Durham is today.
From the 1820s to the 1870s, an important travel route called the Santa Fe Trail passed about 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Durham. This trail was used for trade and travel across Marion County for many years.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Marion County, where Durham is, was set up in 1855.
In 1887, a railroad company, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway, built a main line through Durham. This railroad helped the town grow. Even today, many locals still call it the "Rock Island" railroad, after a company that later took it over.
A post office was first set up nearby in "Durham Park" in 1874. It moved to the community of Durham in 1887 when the new railroad arrived.
The 1900s and Beyond
Durham officially became a city in 1906.
In 1962, a company called Donahue Corporation started in Durham. They make special carriers for farm equipment. This company has grown a lot and has built over 50,000 carriers! It's still located near Durham today.
Geography and Climate
Durham is located at 38.4861202 latitude and -97.2280808 longitude. It's in the beautiful Flint Hills and Great Plains regions of Kansas. The city covers about 0.17 square miles (0.45 km2), and all of it is land.
Weather in Durham
The weather in Durham usually has hot, humid summers. Winters are generally mild to cool. This type of climate is known as a humid subtropical climate.
Fun Places to Visit
Durham has some interesting places to see, especially related to its history.
- Santa Fe Trail:
- The Santa Fe Trail - Marion County Segments are about 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Durham. You can still see the old wagon ruts, which are about 3 miles (5 km) long! These ruts are considered "outstanding" by the National Park Service.
- There are also several markers and kiosks in the area that tell you more about the Santa Fe Trail, like the Santa Fe Trail Cottonwood Crossing Kiosk and Santa Fe Trail Cottonwood Crossing Marker.
- You can even find a Self-Guided Auto Tour to explore the trail's history.
- Marion Reservoir: This large lake is southeast of Durham and is a great spot for outdoor activities.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 268 | — | |
| 1920 | 288 | 7.5% | |
| 1930 | 254 | −11.8% | |
| 1940 | 245 | −3.5% | |
| 1950 | 229 | −6.5% | |
| 1960 | 183 | −20.1% | |
| 1970 | 143 | −21.9% | |
| 1980 | 130 | −9.1% | |
| 1990 | 119 | −8.5% | |
| 2000 | 114 | −4.2% | |
| 2010 | 112 | −1.8% | |
| 2020 | 89 | −20.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
What the 2020 Census Shows
In 2020, Durham had 89 people living in 49 households. About 26.5% of these households had children under 18. Most households (53.1%) were married couples.
The average age in Durham was about 53.2 years old. About 15.7% of the people were under 18, and 34.8% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were about 102 males.
The average income for a household was around $40,000.
What the 2010 Census Shows
In 2010, Durham had 112 people. The city had 48 households. About 25% of households had children under 18.
The average age in the city was 47 years. About 20.5% of residents were under 18, and 24.1% were 65 or older. There were slightly more males (51.8%) than females (48.2%).
Local Businesses
Durham is home to several businesses that help the community. These include:
- Donahue Corporation
- Jason Wiebe Dairy
- Main Street Cafe
- G & R Implement
- Agri Trails CO-OP
Schools in Durham
Public Schools
Students in Durham attend schools in the Hillsboro USD 410 public school district. All students go to schools located in Hillsboro.
- Hillsboro High School
- Hillsboro Middle School
- Hillsboro Elementary School
Did you know? The Durham Hornets boys' basketball team won the Kansas State High School championship in 1963!
Private Schools
- Cottonwood Grove Christian School is a private elementary school located about 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Durham.
Local News and Media
If you want to know what's happening in the area, you can read these local newspapers:
- The Herington Times (from Herington)
- Marion County Record (from Marion)
- Hillsboro Free Press (a free newspaper for the wider Marion County area)
Getting Around and Services
Transportation
The K-15 highway runs along the east side of Durham. The city is also served by the Union Pacific Railroad. This railroad line is important for transporting goods, especially during the Kansas summer harvests when it serves the Durham Elevator.
Utilities and Services
- Internet: You can get wireless internet from Pixius Communications or satellite internet from companies like HughesNet and Dish Network.
- TV: Satellite TV is available from DirecTV and Dish Network. You can also get local digital TV channels.
- Electricity: Electricity for rural areas is provided by Flint Hills RECA.
- Water: Water for the city is provided by the City of Durham. Rural areas get water from Marion County RWD #1 and #4.
See also
In Spanish: Durham (Kansas) para niños
