Galva, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Galva, Kansas
|
|
|---|---|
Water Tower in Galva (2016)
|
|
Location within McPherson County and Kansas
|
|
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | McPherson |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1887 |
| Named for | Galva, Illinois |
| 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 | 1,545 ft (471 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 834 |
| • Density | 1,668/sq mi (646.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67443
|
| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-25200 |
| GNIS ID | 2394849 |
Galva is a small city located in McPherson County, Kansas, in the United States. It's a friendly place with a rich history. In 2020, about 834 people lived there.
Contents
History of Galva
Early Beginnings
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic Native American tribes. Later, from the 1500s to the 1700s, France claimed much of this land. In 1762, France gave this land to Spain.
Becoming Part of the United States
In 1802, Spain returned the land to France. Then, 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 very big deal!
From the 1820s to the 1870s, the famous Santa Fe Trail passed through what is now McPherson County. This trail was a major route for trade and travel. In 1855, Charles O. Fuller set up a ranch near Galva. It offered a place for travelers to rest. This was likely the first settlement by white people in McPherson County.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was formed. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. McPherson County, where Galva is located, was established in 1867.
The Railroad Era
Railroads were very important for new towns in the 1800s. In 1879, a railroad line was built from Florence to McPherson. This line passed right through the area where Galva would soon be. It helped connect towns and move goods.
Another major railroad, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, built a line through Galva in 1887. Locals still call this the "Rock Island" railroad. These railroads made Galva an important shipping point for things like grain and cattle.
Galva was founded in September 1879. It was named by Mrs. J. E. Doyle, who came from Galva, Illinois. By 1883, Galva had nearly 100 people. It had stores, a hotel, a lumber yard, and a good school.
Geography and Climate
Galva covers about 0.50 square miles (1.29 square kilometers) of land. The area is mostly flat. There's a small stream that flows through the southern part of town, but only when it rains a lot.
The land around Galva is great for farming. Farmers grow crops like wheat, milo, and soybeans. Oil is also found and produced in the area, even within the city limits.
Weather in Galva
Galva has a type of climate called a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool.
Population and People
Galva has grown steadily over the years.
- In 1880, there were 87 people.
- By 1950, the population was 426.
- In 2010, it reached 870 people.
- The most recent count in 2020 showed 834 people living in Galva.
Most people in Galva are white. A small number of people are from other racial backgrounds. About 3.6% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
In 2020, about 26.5% of the people in Galva were under 18 years old. About 18.1% were 65 years or older. The average age in Galva was around 39.3 years. Many households are married couples living together.
Churches in Galva
Galva has a few Christian churches. Within the city, you'll find the Galva Community Church and the Galva Christian Church. There are also other churches nearby in the rural areas, like Lone Tree Mennonite and Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Education for Students
The public schools in Galva are part of the Canton-Galva USD 419 school district.
- Students in grades 7-12 go to Canton-Galva Jr/Sr High School, which is in Canton.
- Younger students in kindergarten through 6th grade attend Canton-Galva Elementary School, located right in Galva.
The schools in Canton and Galva joined together in 1972. Before that, the Galva High School mascot was the Chieftains. Now, the Canton-Galva High School mascot is the Eagles!
Local News
If you want to read about what's happening in Galva and the surrounding area, you can check out these newspapers:
- McPherson Sentinel, which is a regional newspaper from McPherson.
- The Salina Journal, another regional newspaper from Salina.
City Services
Galva has many services that help the city run smoothly:
- Internet: You can get broadband and wireless internet from different companies. Satellite internet is also available.
- TV: Digital TV and satellite TV services are offered. You can also get local digital TV stations.
- Telephone: Landline phone service is provided by Home Communications (HCI).
- Electricity: The City of Galva provides electricity within the city. Rural areas get electricity from other providers.
- Natural Gas: Kansas Gas Service provides natural gas.
- Water: The City of Galva provides water to its residents. Rural areas get water from RWD #4.
- Sewer: The City of Galva also handles sewer services.
- Trash: Trash collection is managed by the McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility.
See also
In Spanish: Galva (Kansas) para niños
