Natrona, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Natrona, Kansas
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 Natrona, Kansas
Location in Kansas
Natrona, Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Pratt |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Natrona is a small place in Pratt County, Kansas, United States. It is called an unincorporated community. This means it does not have its own local government, but it is part of the larger county. Natrona is located about six miles northeast of the city of Pratt. You can find it along NE 40th Ave, just north of Highway 61.
Contents
History of Natrona
Early Settlers and Community Life
In the 1870s, German-speaking settlers arrived in northeastern Pratt County. These families were Lutheran and came from a region in Germany called Saxony. They had moved south from an area near Ellsworth. They left their previous homes because birds had eaten their crops.
The town of Natrona was officially planned and mapped out in 1887. The heart of this German-speaking community was St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The church was built in the town in 1901.
The Church and Town Growth
The first church building was a simple one-room structure. Later, this original church was moved. A new brick church was built on its old spot. This brick church is still used today in the 21st century.
By 1910, Natrona had a population of 25 people. The town was also located along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. This railroad helped connect Natrona to other places.
Post Office and Name Changes
Natrona had a post office for a short time, from 1888 to 1890. In 1903, the town's name was briefly changed to Olympia. The post office reopened under the name Olympia during this time. However, the Olympia post office closed permanently in 1914. After that, the town's name went back to Natrona.
Education in Natrona
Students in Natrona attend schools in the Pratt USD 382 public school district.
