Rolla, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rolla, Kansas
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Panorama of Rolla (1935)
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Location within Morton County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Morton |
| Founded | 1900s |
| Platted | 1913 |
| Incorporated | 1921 |
| Named for | Rollie Williamson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.37 sq mi (0.97 km2) |
| • Land | 0.37 sq mi (0.97 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,327 ft (1,014 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 384 |
| • Density | 1,038/sq mi (395.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67954
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-60900 |
| GNIS ID | 2396419 |
| Website | City website |
Rolla is a small city located in Morton County, Kansas, in the United States. In 2020, about 384 people lived there.
Contents
A Look at Rolla's Past
Early History of the Land
For thousands of years, the Great Plains of North America were home to nomadic Native American groups. In the 16th to 18th centuries, France claimed much of this land. After a war in 1762, France secretly gave its land, called New France, to Spain.
How Kansas Became Part of the U.S.
In 1802, Spain gave most of this land back to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area, including most of modern-day Kansas, from France. This was part of the Louisiana Purchase. Later, in 1848, after the Mexican–American War, more land, including southwest Kansas, became part of the U.S. through a treaty with Spain.
The Founding of Rolla
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Morton County, where Rolla is located today, was established in 1886.
The first post office in Rolla opened in 1907. The town itself was planned out in 1913. Rolla was named after Rollie Ray Williamson. He came to western Kansas in 1907 with his mother and uncle to meet his father, who had settled in the area.
Life During the Dust Bowl
In the 1930s, the Rolla area faced tough times. It was located in the Dust Bowl, a region hit hard by severe dust storms. These storms made the economic problems of the Great Depression even worse for the people living there.
Where is Rolla?
According to the United States Census Bureau, Rolla covers about 0.37 square miles (0.97 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Rolla's Climate
Rolla has a semi-arid climate. This means it's usually dry, but not a desert. It gets more rain than a desert, but less than a humid area.
Who Lives in Rolla?
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 437 | — | |
| 1940 | 284 | −35.0% | |
| 1950 | 433 | 52.5% | |
| 1960 | 464 | 7.2% | |
| 1970 | 400 | −13.8% | |
| 1980 | 417 | 4.3% | |
| 1990 | 387 | −7.2% | |
| 2000 | 482 | 24.5% | |
| 2010 | 442 | −8.3% | |
| 2020 | 384 | −13.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 442 people living in Rolla. These people made up 166 households and 124 families. The city had about 1,195 people per square mile.
Most residents (83.3%) were White. About 24.2% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Many households (39.2%) had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.66 people, and the average family had 3.11 people. The median age in Rolla was 35.1 years. About 30.8% of residents were under 18 years old.
Education in Rolla
The Rolla USD 217 public school district serves the community. Students in Rolla attend schools within this district.
Rolla High School Sports
The sports teams at Rolla High School are known as the Pirates. They have a history of winning championships.
- In 1958, the Rolla Pirates won the Kansas State High School Class BB state basketball tournament.
- They also won the 8-Man football championship in 1973.
- Later, in 1996, they won the 8-Man DII football championship.
Images for kids
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Panorama of Rolla (1935)
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Location within Morton County and Kansas
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KDOT map of Morton County
See also
In Spanish: Rolla (Kansas) para niños
