Fairport, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairport, Kansas
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 Fairport, Kansas
Location in Kansas
Fairport, Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Russell |
| Founded | 1870s |
| Elevation | 1,680 ft (510 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67665
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| Area code | 785 |
| FIPS code | 20-22375 |
| GNIS ID | 472526 |
Fairport is a small, unincorporated community in Russell County, Kansas, United States. This means it's a group of homes and buildings that doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. You can find Fairport about 12 miles north of a town called Gorham. It's located close to the western border of the county, right next to the Saline River.
Contents
A Look Back: Fairport's Story
How Fairport Began
Fairport started to grow in the late 1870s. In 1879, two people named Knight and Bradshaw built a special building called Fairport Mills. This mill used both steam and water power from the Saline River to grind grain into flour. It was a very important place for farmers in the area.
From Clarkson to Fairport
Before it was called Fairport, there was a small post office nearby. It opened in October 1878 and was named Clarkson. But in 1881, the name changed to Fairport, just like the mill. The community grew around this mill. By 1910, about 75 people lived there, and it was a local trading spot. The post office eventually closed in 1959.
Where is Fairport?
Fairport's Location and Landscape
Fairport is located in a part of Kansas called the Smoky Hills. This area is known for its rolling hills and grasslands, which are part of the larger Great Plains. The Saline River flows around Fairport in a big curve, almost like a loop. This type of curve in a river is called a meander.
Distance to the County Seat
Fairport is about 14 miles (22 kilometers) northwest of Russell. Russell is the main town in the county, also known as the county seat.
Learning in Fairport
Fairport's School History
Fairport used to have its own high school. It offered a two-year program along with the common school. However, in 1940, Fairport High School joined with Paradise High School.
Getting Around Fairport
Roads in the Community
The main road in Fairport is called Paradise-Fairport Road. It's an unpaved county road that runs east to west. When it reaches Fairport, it turns north through the community. Then, it turns west again and leaves the town, changing its name to Fairport-Natoma Road.
