Wilmington, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilmington, Kansas
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Main road in Wilmington
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 Wilmington, Kansas
Location in Kansas
Wilmington, Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Wabaunsee |
| Organized | 1858 |
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| FIPS code | 20-79515 |
| GNIS ID | 484884 |
Wilmington is a small, unincorporated community located in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. It is about 4 miles south of the town of Harveyville, Kansas. Being "unincorporated" means it's not officially a city or town with its own local government.
History of Wilmington
Wilmington started to grow in 1857 when a post office opened there. By 1870, the community had a stone church and a school. At its busiest, Wilmington was home to about 30 houses, two stores, a blacksmith, two doctors, a wagon repair shop, and even a hotel.
A Town's Decline
However, Wilmington's growth slowed down when a new railroad, the Manhattan, Burlingame & Alma Railroad, was built through nearby Harveyville instead of Wilmington. This meant that many businesses and people moved away to be closer to the railroad, which was important for travel and trade.
The post office in Wilmington closed in 1906. By 1910, the number of people living there had dropped to just 69. The school, which had been a central part of the community, closed its doors in 1950. The old stone school building still stands today.
The Santa Fe Trail Connection
Wilmington was also an important stop along the historic Santa Fe Trail. This famous trail was a trade route that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the 19th century. Many travelers and traders passed through Wilmington on their journeys.
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Education in the Area
Today, the children in the Wilmington area are part of the Mission Valley USD 330 public school district. This district provides education for students from several communities in the region.
