Whitewater, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whitewater, Kansas
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Location within Butler County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Butler |
| Founded | 1870s |
| Platted | 1885 |
| Incorporated | 1890 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.41 sq mi (1.06 km2) |
| • Land | 0.41 sq mi (1.06 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,365 ft (416 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 661 |
| • Density | 1,612/sq mi (624/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67154
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| Area code | 316 |
| FIPS code | 20-78050 |
| GNIS ID | 2397303 |
Whitewater is a small city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. It is located along the West Branch of the Whitewater River. In 2020, about 661 people lived there.
Contents
History of Whitewater
Early Days and Land Ownership
For thousands of years, nomadic Native Americans lived on the Great Plains of North America. From the 1500s to the 1700s, France claimed much of North America. In 1762, after a war, France secretly gave this land to Spain.
In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area from France. This was called the Louisiana Purchase. It included most of what is now Kansas.
Kansas Becomes a State
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Kansas officially became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Butler County, where Whitewater is located, was formed in 1855.
The first post office for the area opened on August 7, 1871. It was called White Water (two words). Later, its name changed to Ovo in 1882.
Railroads and Town Growth
In 1887, a railroad line was built through Whitewater. This line connected Herington to Caldwell. This railroad was later taken over by other companies, eventually becoming part of the Union Pacific Railroad. Many local people still call it the "Rock Island" railroad.
Between 1885 and 1888, many buildings were moved to the current location of Whitewater. This happened because the new railroads came through the area. The city grew where two important railroads crossed paths. The post office name changed back to White Water in 1888.
20th Century Changes
A famous barn, the Oak Lawn Farm Dairy Barn, was built near Whitewater in 1926. On November 1, 1950, the post office name was officially changed to Whitewater (one word).
In 1961, Frederic Remington High School was built. Several smaller schools from nearby towns joined together to form this new high school. There was a lot of debate about where to build the school. Finally, voters decided to build it near Brainerd.
Geography
Whitewater is a small city. It covers about 0.40 square miles (1.06 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 184 | — | |
| 1900 | 267 | 45.1% | |
| 1910 | 518 | 94.0% | |
| 1920 | 556 | 7.3% | |
| 1930 | 556 | 0.0% | |
| 1940 | 515 | −7.4% | |
| 1950 | 453 | −12.0% | |
| 1960 | 499 | 10.2% | |
| 1970 | 520 | 4.2% | |
| 1980 | 751 | 44.4% | |
| 1990 | 683 | −9.1% | |
| 2000 | 653 | −4.4% | |
| 2010 | 718 | 10.0% | |
| 2020 | 661 | −7.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
How Many People Live Here?
In 2010, 718 people lived in Whitewater. There were 254 households, and 189 of them were families. Most people were White (93.3%). About 2.6% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average household had 2.60 people. The average family had 3.05 people. The median age in the city was 42.7 years old. About 25.6% of residents were under 18.
Education
Public Schools
The Remington USD 206 public school district serves the community. The mascot for Remington High School is a Bronco.
- Frederic Remington High School is located north of Brainerd.
- Remington Middle School is in Whitewater.
- Remington Elementary School is in Potwin.
Library
- Whitewater Memorial Library is available for residents.
Media and News
Newspapers
You can read several regional newspapers in Whitewater:
- The Newton Kansan from Newton.
- Butler County Times-Gazette from El Dorado.
- The Wichita Eagle from Wichita.
Radio and TV
Whitewater receives many radio stations from the Wichita-Hutchinson area. You can also get cable TV and satellite TV services.
Transportation
Roads and Rails
The K-196 highway runs along the south side of Whitewater. A Union Pacific Railroad line also goes through the northwest part of the city.
Notable Person
- Hattie Louthan (1865–1950) was a writer from Whitewater. She wrote five books and contributed to newspapers and magazines.
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See also
In Spanish: Whitewater (Kansas) para niños
