White Rock, Kansas facts for kids

White Rock is a ghost town in Republic County, Kansas, United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, and it's mostly empty now. White Rock is about 6 miles (10 km) north of Courtland.

The Story of White Rock

Starting a New Town

People tried to build a town in the White Rock area many times. But it wasn't until 1866 that Thomas Lovewell finally made a lasting settlement. The town of White Rock was officially planned out in 1871. That same year, a school opened its doors. People thought White Rock was a great place to live. This was because the land was good for farming and building.

The town was located on the west side of the Republican River. It was in the White Rock township. This was about 14 miles northwest of Belleville. White Rock was the very first settlement in that part of the county. By 1873, the town was growing. It had three general stores where people could buy things. There was also a sawmill to cut wood. A corn mill helped turn corn into flour. And a hotel offered a place for travelers to stay.

The Railroad Decision

In 1878, something big happened. People in Republic County had a chance to vote. They could approve money, called "bonds," for a railroad company. The company was called Kansas Pacific. These bonds would help build a new railroad line. This line would connect towns like Clifton, Seapo, Belleville, and White Rock.

Having a railroad was very important for towns back then. It helped businesses grow. It made it easier to send goods and for people to travel. But the voters in Republic County said no to the money. They voted 1,126 against the bonds and 850 for them.

In White Rock township, almost everyone voted against it. Only two people voted yes, and 95 voted no. Why did they do this? People who lived in White Rock at the time said that the town's leaders believed White Rock was so successful. They thought the railroad would build through their town anyway. They thought the railroad would come even if they didn't help pay for it.

The Town Fades Away

This decision turned out to be a big mistake. The railroad did not come to White Rock. Without the railroad, the town started to shrink. By 1912, there were no businesses left in White Rock. Only about 30 people still lived there. Over time, more people moved away. White Rock slowly became the ghost town it is today.