Runnymede, Kansas facts for kids
Runnymede is a small, quiet community in Harper County, Kansas, in the United States. It's not an official town with its own government, but it's a recognized place. You can find it northeast of Harper town, right by the K-2 state highway. Specifically, it's at the corner of NE 140 Road and NE 60 Avenue.
The Story of Runnymede
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Runnymede was once a planned community with big dreams. An Irish promoter created it in 1888. He told rich families in Ireland and Great Britain about this special place. He said it was a "dry" state, meaning no alcohol was allowed. This was a good place for their sons to become "gentlemen farmers." A gentleman farmer was someone who owned and managed a farm, often without doing the hard physical work themselves.
This grand plan, however, didn't last long. The idea was impressive, but the community struggled. Within four years, the project mostly fell apart. In 1890, the livery stable, a place where horses were kept, burned down. Other buildings were moved about 2 miles south. They were relocated closer to a new train line that had been built.
The most important building in Runnymede was a large hotel. In 1891, parts of this hotel were taken apart. They were then moved to Alva, Oklahoma, in the recently opened Cherokee Strip. This happened in 1893. Amazingly, the hotel is still used today in Alva! Local people worked hard to restore it. Runnymede's church also moved. It was taken to Harper, Kansas, in 1893. Today, this old church serves as a museum.
A post office opened in Runnymede in 1879. It helped people send and receive mail for many years. The post office stayed open until 1944, when it finally closed. The community got its name from Runnymede in England. This is a famous meadow where important historical events happened. In August 1891, a man named William Desmond Taylor joined the Runnymede community.
Places to Visit Near Runnymede
If you visit the area, you can find a few interesting spots:
- Kansas Historical Marker - This sign tells the story of Old Runnymede.
- Old Runnymede Church - This historic church is now a museum in Harper, Kansas.
Education in the Area
Students in the Runnymede community attend schools in the Chaparral USD 361 public school district. This district provides education for children in the area.
