Monticello Township, Johnson County, Kansas facts for kids
Monticello Township was once a busy area in Johnson County, Kansas. It was a special kind of local government area, like a small district. Today, Monticello Township no longer exists on its own. It has become part of the nearby cities of Lenexa and Shawnee, Kansas.
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A Look Back at Monticello Township
Monticello Township has a rich history, especially during the 1800s. It was an important place for travelers and traders.
Early Days and Famous Faces
In 1858, a very famous person named James Butler Hickok, known as Wild Bill Hickok, was elected as the town's constable. A constable is like a local police officer who helps keep the peace. He was only 21 years old at the time!
Monticello was a lively town back then. It had many important businesses and buildings. There was a stagecoach shop, stores, places to eat, a blacksmith, and even a doctor. The town also had a hotel, a general store, a school, and churches. There were about 15 homes for people to live in.
Changes Over Time
By 1910, the population of Monticello had become quite small, with only about 63 people living there. A big reason for this change was the railroad. The Kansas Midland Railroad, which was part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line, decided to build its tracks through Olathe, Kansas instead of Monticello.
When the railroad bypassed Monticello, the town lost its important status as a "county seat." A county seat is the main town where the county government is located. This made Monticello less important for trade and travel.
Later, in 1987, the nearby city of Shawnee, Kansas grew much larger. Shawnee took over, or "annexed," a lot of the land that was once Monticello Township. This made Shawnee much bigger, increasing its size to about 42 square miles (109 square kilometers).
A Crossroads for Travelers
Before it became part of Shawnee, Monticello Township was a natural meeting point. It was a perfect "crossroads" for people involved in fur trading. Later, it became a key spot for pioneers traveling west in their wagons. These travelers were moving across the country to new lands.
People Who Lived in Monticello Township
Many interesting people lived in or were connected to Monticello Township. Here are a few of them:
- Manuel Lisa - He was a well-known fur trader.
- Wild Bill Hickok - A famous lawman from the Old West.
- Jug McSpaden - A professional golfer.
- William S. Williams - A mountain man, someone who explored and lived in the wilderness.
