Erie, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erie, Kansas
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City and County seat
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| Nickname(s):
Beantown USA
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Location within Neosho County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Neosho |
| Platted | 1866 |
| Incorporated | 1869 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.27 sq mi (3.28 km2) |
| • Land | 1.27 sq mi (3.28 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 889 ft (271 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,047 |
| • Density | 824/sq mi (319.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
66733
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-21500 |
| GNIS ID | 2394698 |
Erie is a city in Neosho County, Kansas, United States. It is also the county seat, meaning it's where the main government offices for the county are located. Erie sits in the valley of the Neosho River, about a mile northeast of the river. In 2020, the city had a population of 1,047 people.
Contents
History of Erie, Kansas
Erie started as a settlement called "Old Erie," also known as "Beantown USA." It was located about two miles northwest of where the city is now. Another community, Crawfordsville, was two miles northeast of the current site.
How Erie Was Founded
In 1866, the people from Old Erie and Crawfordsville decided to join together. They chose the current location of Erie for their new combined settlement. Four men – David Bray, Luther Puckett, John Himmelwright, and Peter Walter – each gave 40 acres of their land. These pieces of land met in the middle to create the city area of Erie.
Later that year, the Erie Town Company was formed. Its members also donated land and agreed to buy and improve city plots.
Early Days in Erie
Erie's first fire company started in November 1866. The men who donated the land for the town were its first members. The first log home in Erie was built in 1866, and the first businesses opened the next year. By 1883, Erie had grown to about 300 people. It had two general stores, two blacksmith shops, a drug store, two hotels, a newspaper office, and two churches.
Erie officially became an incorporated city on December 25, 1869. This meant it could govern itself. A few days later, on December 30, the city leaders declared Erie a "city of the 3rd class."
Erie Becomes County Seat
In 1872, Erie was chosen as the county seat of Neosho County. This was after a big election where it competed against "Osage Mission" (now called Saint Paul). There was a legal challenge that went all the way to the Kansas Supreme Court. In the end, Erie won and kept its position as the county seat.
Geography and Climate
Erie covers a total area of about 1.21 square miles (3.13 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Erie's Climate
The climate in Erie is known for its hot, humid summers. The winters are generally mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 418 | — | |
| 1880 | 270 | −35.4% | |
| 1890 | 1,176 | 335.6% | |
| 1900 | 1,111 | −5.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,300 | 17.0% | |
| 1920 | 1,167 | −10.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,184 | 1.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,286 | 8.6% | |
| 1950 | 1,296 | 0.8% | |
| 1960 | 1,309 | 1.0% | |
| 1970 | 1,414 | 8.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,415 | 0.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,276 | −9.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,211 | −5.1% | |
| 2010 | 1,150 | −5.0% | |
| 2020 | 1,047 | −9.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Information
The 2020 United States census counted 1,047 people living in Erie. There were 418 households and 284 families. The population density was about 825.7 people per square mile.
Most people in Erie were white (89.49%). There were also small numbers of black (0.57%), Native American (0.48%), and Asian (0.96%) residents. About 1.24% were from other races, and 7.26% were from two or more races. People of Hispanic or Latino background made up 4.39% of the population.
About 27.3% of households had children under 18. More than half (51.2%) were married couples living together. The average household had 2.4 people, and the average family had 3.1 people.
The median age in Erie was 42.2 years. About 22.6% of the population was under 18 years old.
2010 Census Information
In the census of 2010, Erie had 1,150 people. There were 463 households and 312 families. The city's population density was about 950.4 people per square mile.
The racial makeup was mostly White (96.4%). Other groups included African American (0.3%), Native American (1.1%), and Asian (0.1%). About 1.3% were from other races, and 0.8% were from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 5.6% of the population.
About 30.7% of households had children under 18. The average household size was 2.42 people, and the average family size was 2.89 people. The median age in Erie was 41.5 years.
Community Services
Extension Service Programs
Since July 1, 2010, the Neosho County Extension Service has joined with the Allen County Extension Service. Together, they form the Southwind Extension District, with its main office in Erie.
The Extension Service helps people in the area with many things. They answer questions about lawns and gardens, crops and farm animals, health and nutrition, and family life. They also support youth development through the 4-H program. This program helps young people learn new skills and become leaders.
Neosho County Fair
The Neosho County Fair is usually held at the fairgrounds in Erie around the third week of July. At the fair, you can see projects from 4-H and FFA members. Community residents can also enter their own projects. The Neosho County Fair is run by the Neosho County Extension Service and the Neosho County Fair Association.
Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion
Erie is well-known for its yearly Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion. This special event takes place during the second full week of July and includes a famous Free Bean Feed. This reunion has been happening every year since 1873. It is said to be the oldest continuously running Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion in the country!
The Famous Free Bean Feed
During the Civil War, soldiers often ate salt pork and navy beans. So, it became a tradition to serve big pots of beans at these reunions. Now, over 1,400 pounds of beans are cooked. They are made in more than 50 large iron kettles on the Courthouse lawn by the American Legion Post.
Other fun events during Reunion Week include a Rodeo on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion ends on Friday night with "Mainstreet Memories." This event brings Country and Western recording artists from Nashville to perform each year.
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Education in Erie
The public schools in Erie are part of the Erie–Galesburg USD 101 school district. This district serves students from Erie, Galesburg, Stark, and parts of rural Parsons in Neosho County.
In 2007, the district approved a $21.9 million plan to improve schools. They built a new, environmentally friendly high school in Erie, which opened in the fall of 2010. The old high school building was rebuilt and turned into a grade school. A new gym was also added at Galesburg Middle School.
The mascot for Erie High School is the Red Devil. The mascot for Galesburg Middle School is the Timber Wolf. In 2013, the old Erie Grade and Middle School brick building was taken down.
See also
In Spanish: Erie (Kansas) para niños
