Strong City, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Strong City, Kansas
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Hardware Store and Grocery in Strong City (2009)
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Location within Chase County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Chase |
| Township | Strong |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Incorporated | 1872 |
| Named for | William Strong |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.55 sq mi (1.43 km2) |
| • Land | 0.55 sq mi (1.42 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,194 ft (364 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 386 |
| • Density | 702/sq mi (269.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
66869
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-68650 |
| GNIS ID | 477264 |
Strong City is a small city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It was first known as Cottonwood Station. In 1881, its name changed to Strong City. This was done to honor William Barstow Strong. He was a very important person at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. In 2020, about 386 people lived in Strong City. The city is located along U.S. Route 50, a major highway.
History of Strong City
Early Beginnings
For thousands of years, Native Americans lived on the Great Plains of North America. They often moved from place to place. In the 16th to 18th centuries, France claimed much of North America. Later, in 1762, France gave a large area called New France to Spain.
19th Century Growth
In 1803, the United States bought a huge amount of land from France. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. Most of what is now Kansas was part of this deal.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Then, in 1861, Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. Chase County, where Strong City is, was set up in 1859.
Strong City started in March 1871. This was when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built its main line to a spot called Cottonwood Station. The city was first named Cottonwood and was planned out in 1872.
In 1881, the city's name changed to Strong. This was to honor William Barstow Strong. He was a top manager and later president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
The first train station was made of wood in 1872. It burned down in 1902. A new wooden station was built in 1903. From 1887 to 1938, a large engine house for trains, called a roundhouse, employed many people.
In 1887, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a new line. It went from Neva (near Strong City) all the way to Superior, Nebraska. This line connected many towns, including Strong City. It was first called the "Strong City and Superior line."
20th Century Changes
In 1912, work began on an even newer train station. It was finished in 1913. This station was made of brick and local limestone. It cost $20,000 to build. Passenger train service stopped in the late 1940s.
In 1945, the city's name was changed again to Strong City.
In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway joined with another company. They became the BNSF Railway, which is still active today.
21st Century Events
In 2006 and 2015, a special concert called "Symphony in the Flint Hills" was held near Strong City. Thousands of people came to enjoy the music.
Stone Industry in Strong City
Strong City was famous for its stone. A company called Barney Lantry & Son worked with railroads. They built stone structures and even whole railroads. They laid tracks, built bridges, and stations.
The first machines to crush stone in Kansas were brought to Strong City by the Lantrys. They got a lot of stone from their quarries in Strong City. This stone was used for buildings and roads all over the western United States. Huge stones for the Kansas State Capitol building came from Strong City. Each one weighed 13,000 pounds! Stone from Strong City was used in buildings in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado.
Geography and Climate
Strong City is located at 38°23′50″N 96°32′13″W / 38.39722°N 96.53694°W. It is in the beautiful Flint Hills area of the Great Plains. The city covers about 0.55 square miles (1.43 square kilometers) of land. The Cottonwood River is about half a mile west of the city.
Local Climate
The weather in Strong City has hot, humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 324 | — | |
| 1890 | 976 | 201.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,128 | 15.6% | |
| 1910 | 762 | −32.4% | |
| 1920 | 944 | 23.9% | |
| 1930 | 805 | −14.7% | |
| 1940 | 848 | 5.3% | |
| 1950 | 680 | −19.8% | |
| 1960 | 659 | −3.1% | |
| 1970 | 545 | −17.3% | |
| 1980 | 675 | 23.9% | |
| 1990 | 617 | −8.6% | |
| 2000 | 584 | −5.3% | |
| 2010 | 485 | −17.0% | |
| 2020 | 386 | −20.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Strong City has changed over the years. In 1880, there were 324 people. The population grew to over 1,100 in 1900. By 2020, it was 386 people.
2010 Census Details
In 2010, there were 485 people living in Strong City. These people lived in 212 households. Most residents (96.5%) were White. About 22.5% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age in the city was 44.1 years.
Fun Things to Do
- Flint Hills Rodeo: This exciting rodeo has been held every year since 1938.
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: You can visit this beautiful nature area north of Strong City.
- W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park: A park dedicated to the railroad history.
- Kansas Historical Markers: Learn about the area's past at special signs.
- Historic Places: Strong City has four places listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These include the Fox Creek Stone Arch Bridge and the old train station.
Education in Strong City
Schools
The local public school district is Chase County USD 284. It has two schools:
- Chase County Junior/Senior High School, located in Cottonwood Falls.
- Chase County Elementary School], also in Cottonwood Falls.
Strong City used to have its own schools. The Strong City Indians boys' basketball team won a state championship in 1965!
Library
- Burnley Memorial Library: This library is located in Cottonwood Falls.
Getting Around
Transportation Routes
U.S. Route 50 and the BNSF Railway tracks run through Strong City. K-177 highway also passes through the city.
Strong City has asked for an Amtrak train station. If approved, it would be one of the smallest towns with an Amtrak stop.
Utilities and Services
- Internet: You can get satellite internet from companies like HughesNet and WildBlue.
- TV: Satellite TV is available from DirecTV and Dish Network. You can also watch free over-the-air digital TV.
Famous People
- Dudley Doolittle (1881-1957): He was a lawyer, banker, and served as a U.S. Representative for Kansas.
See also
In Spanish: Strong City (Kansas) para niños
