Abilene, Kansas
Encyclopedia
Abilene is a city in and the county seat
of Dickinson County
, Kansas
, United States
. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844.
decided to use the town for the location of his stockyards. Abilene became the very first "cow town" of the west.
With the railroad
pushing west, cattle traders soon came to use Abilene as the largest stockyards west of Kansas City
. The Chisholm Trail
ended in Abilene, bringing in many travelers and making Abilene one of the wildest towns in the west.
Town marshal
Tom "Bear River" Smith
was initially successful policing Abilene, often using only his bare hands. He survived two assassination
attempts during his tenure. However, he was murdered and decapitated on November 2, 1870. Smith wounded one of his two attackers during the shootout preceding his death, and both suspects received life in prison for the offense. He was replaced by Wild Bill Hickok
in April 1871. Hickock's time as marshal was short lived. While standing off a crowd during a street brawl, gambler Phil Coe
took two shots at Hickock, who returned fire killing Coe, but then accidentally shot his friend and deputy, Mike Williams, who was coming to his aid. He lost his job two months later in December.
In 1880 Conrad Lebold built what the newspapers called the finest house west of Topeka. Lebold was one of the early town developers and Bankers from 1869 through 1889. The Hersey dugout can still be seen in the cellar of the Lebold Mansion
.
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
) through Abilene to Superior, Nebraska
. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
In 1890, Dr. A.B. Seelye founded the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. Seelye developed over 100 products for the company including "Wasa-Tusa",
an Indian name meaning to heal.
Abilene became home to Dwight D. Eisenhower
when his family moved to Abilene from Denison
, Texas
in 1892. Eisenhower attended elementary school through high school in Abilene, graduating in 1909. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located in Abilene. It is now the burial site of President Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie
, and their first born son Doud Dwight.
Abilene is located at 38°55′11"N 97°13′2"W (38.919721, -97.217329) at an elevation of 1,155 feet (352 m). The city lies on the north side of the Smoky Hill River
in the Flint Hills
region of the Great Plains
. Mud Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill, flows south through the city. Located in north-central Kansas at the intersection of Interstate 70
and K-15
, Abilene is approximately 27 miles (44 km) east of Salina, Kansas
, 94 miles (152 km) north of Wichita
, and 139 miles (224 km) west of Kansas City
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, Abilene has a total area of 4.1 square miles (10.6 km²), all of it land.
and humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa)
zones, Abilene experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Over the course of a year, temperatures range from an average low below 20 °F (-6.7 °C) in January to an average high of nearly 95 °F (35 °C) in July. The maximum temperature reaches 90 °F (32.2 °C) an average of 66 days per year and reaches 100 °F (37.8 °C) an average of 14 days per year. The minimum temperature falls below the freezing point (32 °F (0 °C)) an average of 116 days per year. Typically the first fall freeze occurs between the last week of September and the first week of November, and the last spring freeze occurs during April or the first week of May. The area receives nearly 33 inches (838.2 mm) of precipitation during an average year with the largest share being received in May and June—which when combined average 19 days of measurable precipitation. There are on average 79 days of measurable precipitation per year. Winter snowfall averages about 14 inches, but the median is less than 10 inches (254 mm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of 7 days per year with at least an inch of snow being received on five of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 8 days per year. The hottest temperature recorded in Abilene was 113 °F (45 °C) in 1954; the coldest temperature recorded was -24 °F (-31 °C) in 1989.
of 2000, there were 6,543 people, 2,836 households, and 1,772 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,584.7 people per square mile (611.7/km²). There were 3,104 housing units at an average density of 751.8 per square mile (290.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.52% White, 1.01% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.96% from other races
, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.
There were 2,836 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples
living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,778, and the median income for a family was $46,052. Males had a median income of $31,971 versus $17,361 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,356. About 4.8% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.
In 2010 the population of Abilene was 6,844. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 91.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.9% black or African-American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.15 non-Hispanic of some other race, 2.4% two or more races and 4.7% Hispanic or Latino.
435.
and U.S. Route 40
run concurrently east-west immediately north of Abilene, intersecting highway K-15
, which runs north-south through the city.
Abilene Municipal Airport
is located on the city's southwest side. Publicly owned, it has one asphalt runway and is used predominantly for general aviation
.
The Kansas Pacific (KP) line of the Union Pacific Railroad
runs east-west through the city. It intersects a BNSF Railway
line which enters the city from the east and then turns north.
s are licensed
to Abilene:
AM
FM
-Hutchinson, Kansas
television market
.
, cattle baron Joseph McCoy
, gambler Phil Coe
, marshal Tom “Bear River” Smith
, gunfighters John Wesley Hardin
and Ben Thompson
, and Thompson's sister-in-law Libby
, a prostitute and dance hall girl.
President of the United States
and five-star general
Dwight D. Eisenhower
grew up in Abilene as did his brothers Edgar
, Earl
, and Milton
. President Eisenhower is buried in Abilene, along with his wife Mamie
and their eldest son Doud, on the grounds of his presidential library.
Other notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Abilene include:
Schools
Photos
Maps
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Dickinson County
Dickinson County, Kansas
Dickinson County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,754. Its county seat and most populous city is Abilene. It was named in honor of Daniel S. Dickinson.-19th century:In 1887, Mr. Herington successfully got...
, Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844.
History
Abilene began as a stage coach stop in 1857, established by Timothy Hersey and named from a passage in the Bible, meaning "city of the plains". The town grew quickly when Joseph G. McCoyJoseph McCoy
Joseph "Cowboy" McCoy was a 19th century cattle baron.Born in Sangamon county, Illinois, he is often cited as the inspiration for the phrase "The Real McCoy" because of his reputation and reliability and because he referred to himself by that phrase Joseph "Cowboy" McCoy (December 21, 1837 –...
decided to use the town for the location of his stockyards. Abilene became the very first "cow town" of the west.
With the railroad
Kansas Pacific Railway
The Kansas Pacific Railway was a historic railroad company that operated in the western United States in the late 19th century. It was a federally chartered railroad, backed with government land grants. It operated many of the first long-distance lines in the state of Kansas in the 1870s,...
pushing west, cattle traders soon came to use Abilene as the largest stockyards west of Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City is the third-largest city in the state of Kansas and is the county seat of Wyandotte County. It is a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the third largest city in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The city is part of a consolidated city-county government known as the "Unified...
. The Chisholm Trail
Chisholm Trail
The Chisholm Trail was a trail used in the late 19th century to drive cattle overland from ranches in Texas to Kansas railheads. The portion of the trail marked by Jesse Chisholm went from his southern trading post near the Red River, to his northern trading post near Kansas City, Kansas...
ended in Abilene, bringing in many travelers and making Abilene one of the wildest towns in the west.
Town marshal
Marshal
Marshal , is a word used in several official titles of various branches of society. The word is an ancient loan word from Old French, cf...
Tom "Bear River" Smith
Thomas J. Smith
Thomas James Smith, known as Tom "Bear River" Smith , was a town marshal of Old West cattle town Abilene, Kansas, who was killed and decapitated in the line of duty.-Early life:...
was initially successful policing Abilene, often using only his bare hands. He survived two assassination
Assassination
To carry out an assassination is "to murder by a sudden and/or secret attack, often for political reasons." Alternatively, assassination may be defined as "the act of deliberately killing someone, especially a public figure, usually for hire or for political reasons."An assassination may be...
attempts during his tenure. However, he was murdered and decapitated on November 2, 1870. Smith wounded one of his two attackers during the shootout preceding his death, and both suspects received life in prison for the offense. He was replaced by Wild Bill Hickok
Wild Bill Hickok
James Butler Hickok , better known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a folk hero of the American Old West. His skills as a gunfighter and scout, along with his reputation as a lawman, provided the basis for his fame, although some of his exploits are fictionalized.Hickok came to the West as a stagecoach...
in April 1871. Hickock's time as marshal was short lived. While standing off a crowd during a street brawl, gambler Phil Coe
Phil Coe
Phil Coe , born Phillip Houston Coe, was a soldier, and Old West gambler and businessman from Texas. He became the business partner of gunfighter Ben Thompson in Abilene, Kansas...
took two shots at Hickock, who returned fire killing Coe, but then accidentally shot his friend and deputy, Mike Williams, who was coming to his aid. He lost his job two months later in December.
In 1880 Conrad Lebold built what the newspapers called the finest house west of Topeka. Lebold was one of the early town developers and Bankers from 1869 through 1889. The Hersey dugout can still be seen in the cellar of the Lebold Mansion
Lebold Mansion
Lebold Mansion is a Victorian-era house in Abilene, Kansas, USA. The mansion was built in 1880 by banker Conrad Lebold. Constructed of native Kansas limestone, it is considered to be one of the finest Victorian decorative art museums in the midwest...
.
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
) through Abilene to Superior, Nebraska
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Santa Fe".
In 1890, Dr. A.B. Seelye founded the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. Seelye developed over 100 products for the company including "Wasa-Tusa",
an Indian name meaning to heal.
Abilene became home to Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
when his family moved to Abilene from Denison
Denison, Texas
Denison is a city in Grayson County, Texas, United States. The population was 22,773 at the 2000 census; it is estimated to have grown to 24,127 in 2009. Denison is one of two principal cities in the Sherman-Denison Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
in 1892. Eisenhower attended elementary school through high school in Abilene, graduating in 1909. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located in Abilene. It is now the burial site of President Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie
Mamie Eisenhower
Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower was the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and First Lady of the United States from 1953 to 1961.-Early life:...
, and their first born son Doud Dwight.
Geography
Smoky Hill River
The Smoky Hill River is a river in the central Great Plains of North America, running through the U.S. states of Colorado and Kansas.-Names:The Smoky Hill gets its name from the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas through which it flows...
in the Flint Hills
Flint Hills
The Flint Hills, historically known as Bluestem Pastures or Blue Stem Hills, are a band of hills in eastern Kansas stretching into north-central Oklahoma, extending from Marshall County, Kansas and Washington County, Kansas in the north to Cowley County, Kansas and Osage County, Oklahoma in the south...
region of the Great Plains
Great Plains
The Great Plains are a broad expanse of flat land, much of it covered in prairie, steppe and grassland, which lies west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. This area covers parts of the U.S...
. Mud Creek, a tributary of the Smoky Hill, flows south through the city. Located in north-central Kansas at the intersection of Interstate 70
Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
and K-15
K-15 (Kansas highway)
K-15 is a Kansas state highway originating at the Oklahoma state line and continuing to the Nebraska state line where it is then signed as Nebraska Highway 15. It is signed as State Highway 18 once the highway enters Oklahoma. It is 206 miles long...
, Abilene is approximately 27 miles (44 km) east of Salina, Kansas
Salina, Kansas
Salina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47,707. Located in one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, Salina is a regional trade center for north-central Kansas...
, 94 miles (152 km) north of Wichita
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
, and 139 miles (224 km) west of Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, Abilene has a total area of 4.1 square miles (10.6 km²), all of it land.
Climate
Lying in the transition zone between North America's humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa)Humid subtropical climate
A humid subtropical climate is a climate zone characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters...
and humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa)
Humid continental climate
A humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold winters....
zones, Abilene experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Over the course of a year, temperatures range from an average low below 20 °F (-6.7 °C) in January to an average high of nearly 95 °F (35 °C) in July. The maximum temperature reaches 90 °F (32.2 °C) an average of 66 days per year and reaches 100 °F (37.8 °C) an average of 14 days per year. The minimum temperature falls below the freezing point (32 °F (0 °C)) an average of 116 days per year. Typically the first fall freeze occurs between the last week of September and the first week of November, and the last spring freeze occurs during April or the first week of May. The area receives nearly 33 inches (838.2 mm) of precipitation during an average year with the largest share being received in May and June—which when combined average 19 days of measurable precipitation. There are on average 79 days of measurable precipitation per year. Winter snowfall averages about 14 inches, but the median is less than 10 inches (254 mm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of 7 days per year with at least an inch of snow being received on five of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 8 days per year. The hottest temperature recorded in Abilene was 113 °F (45 °C) in 1954; the coldest temperature recorded was -24 °F (-31 °C) in 1989.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 6,543 people, 2,836 households, and 1,772 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,584.7 people per square mile (611.7/km²). There were 3,104 housing units at an average density of 751.8 per square mile (290.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.52% White, 1.01% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.96% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.
There were 2,836 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,778, and the median income for a family was $46,052. Males had a median income of $31,971 versus $17,361 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,356. About 4.8% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.
In 2010 the population of Abilene was 6,844. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 91.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.9% black or African-American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.15 non-Hispanic of some other race, 2.4% two or more races and 4.7% Hispanic or Latino.
Primary and secondary education
Abilene is part of Unified School DistrictUnified school district
A unified school district or unit school district is a school district which includes both primary school and high school under the same district control....
435.
Transportation
Interstate 70Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
and U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40 is an east–west United States highway. As with most routes whose numbers end in a zero, U.S. 40 once traversed the entire United States. It is one of the original 1920s U.S. Highways, and its first termini were San Francisco, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey...
run concurrently east-west immediately north of Abilene, intersecting highway K-15
K-15 (Kansas highway)
K-15 is a Kansas state highway originating at the Oklahoma state line and continuing to the Nebraska state line where it is then signed as Nebraska Highway 15. It is signed as State Highway 18 once the highway enters Oklahoma. It is 206 miles long...
, which runs north-south through the city.
Abilene Municipal Airport
Abilene Municipal Airport
Abilene Municipal Airport is a city-owned public-use airport located one mile southwest of the central business district of Abilene, a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States.- Facilities and aircraft :...
is located on the city's southwest side. Publicly owned, it has one asphalt runway and is used predominantly for general aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
.
The Kansas Pacific (KP) line of the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
runs east-west through the city. It intersects a BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
line which enters the city from the east and then turns north.
Radio
The following radio stationRadio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
s are licensed
City of license
A city of license or community of license, in American and Canadian broadcasting, is the community that a radio station or television station is officially licensed to serve by that country's broadcast regulator....
to Abilene:
AM
| Frequency | Callsign | Format | City of License City of license A city of license or community of license, in American and Canadian broadcasting, is the community that a radio station or television station is officially licensed to serve by that country's broadcast regulator.... |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1560 | KABI KABI (AM) KABI is a radio station broadcasting a Adult Standards/MOR format. Licensed to Abilene, Kansas, USA, the station is currently owned by Salina Media Group.... |
Adult Standards Adult standards Adult standards is a North American radio format heard primarily on AM or class A FM stations.Adult standards is aimed at "mature" adults, meaning mainly those persons over 50 years of age, but it is mostly targeted for senior citizens... /MOR |
Abilene, Kansas |
FM
| Frequency | Callsign | Format | City of License City of license A city of license or community of license, in American and Canadian broadcasting, is the community that a radio station or television station is officially licensed to serve by that country's broadcast regulator.... |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94.1 | K231AW KAKA (FM) KAKA is a radio station licensed to serve Salina, Kansas, USA. The station is owned by the American Family Association.KAKA broadcasts a religious radio format as an affiliate of American Family Radio.-History:... |
Religious Christian radio Christian radio is a category of radio formats that focus on transmitting programming with a Christian message. In the United States, where it is more established, many such broadcasters play popular music of Christian influence, though many programs have talk or news programming covering... |
Abilene, Kansas | AFR American Family Radio American Family Radio is a network of more than 180 radio stations broadcasting Christian-oriented programming to over 40 states.-Overview:AFR was launched by Rev... ; Translator of KAKA KAKA (FM) KAKA is a radio station licensed to serve Salina, Kansas, USA. The station is owned by the American Family Association.KAKA broadcasts a religious radio format as an affiliate of American Family Radio.-History:... , Salina, Kansas Salina, Kansas Salina is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47,707. Located in one of the world's largest wheat-producing areas, Salina is a regional trade center for north-central Kansas... |
| 98.5 | KSAJ-FM | Oldies Oldies Oldies is a term commonly used to describe a radio format that concentrates on music from a period of about 15 to 55 years before the present day.... |
Abilene, Kansas | Broadcasts from Manhattan, Kansas Manhattan, Kansas Manhattan is a city located in the northeastern part of the state of Kansas in the United States, at the junction of the Kansas River and Big Blue River. It is the county seat of Riley County and the city extends into Pottawatomie County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 52,281... |
Television
Abilene is in the WichitaWichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
-Hutchinson, Kansas
Hutchinson, Kansas
Hutchinson is the largest city in and the county seat of Reno County, Kansas, United States, northwest of Wichita, on the Arkansas River. It has been home to salt mines since 1887, thus its nickname of "Salt City", but locals call it "Hutch"...
television market
Media market
A media market, broadcast market, media region, designated market area , Television Market Area , or simply market is a region where the population can receive the same television and radio station offerings, and may also include other types of media including newspapers and Internet content...
.
Points of interest
- Abilene and Smoky Valley RailroadAbilene and Smoky Valley RailroadThe Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad is a heritage railway located in Abilene, Kansas.It is a non-profit organization that offers public excursion train rides May through October. The depot is located in the Historic 1887 Rock Island Depot, Old Abilene Town, south of the Dwight D. Eisenhower...
- A tourist railroad based out of the old Rock Island train depot in Old Abilene Town; it hauls passengers between Abilene and EnterpriseEnterprise, KansasEnterprise is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 855.-History:On January 10, 1883, the Enterprise Town Company, capital $50,000, was organized. The following officers were elected: V. P. Wilson, president; John Johntz, vice-president;...
. - Eisenhower Presidential CenterEisenhower Presidential CenterThe Eisenhower Presidential Center, officially known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum or Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, includes the Eisenhower presidential library, President Dwight David Eisenhower's boyhood home, Museum, and gravesite...
and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum http://www.eisenhower.utexas.edu/ - Great Plains Theatre - Originally First Presbyterian Church, built in 1881, Landmarked, and is now a live professional theatre, and movie theatre. http://www.greatplainstheatre.com
- Greyhound Hall of Fame - Located near the Eisenhower Presidential Library, the hall exhibits the history of the greyhoundGreyhoundThe Greyhound is a breed of sighthound that has been primarily bred for coursing game and racing, and the breed has also recently seen a resurgence in its popularity as a pedigree show dog and family pet. It is a gentle and intelligent breed...
breed and of greyhound racing. - Hall of Generals - A wax museum of figures of generals from World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
- Heritage Center of Dickinson County - Two museums including the Historical Museum and the Museum of Independent Telephony. The Museum of Independent Telephony tells the story of C.L. Brown, whose independent Brown Telephone Company grew to become the telecommunications company known today as Sprint Nextel Corporation http://www.heritagecenterdk.com/museum_of_independent_telephony.html. http://www.heritagecenterdk.com/
- Lebold MansionLebold MansionLebold Mansion is a Victorian-era house in Abilene, Kansas, USA. The mansion was built in 1880 by banker Conrad Lebold. Constructed of native Kansas limestone, it is considered to be one of the finest Victorian decorative art museums in the midwest...
- National Register Property listed in 1973. Built in 1880 in the Italianate Tuscan villa style. This decorative arts museum was once home to one of the finest collections of American Victorian antiques and artifacts. However the museum closed to all tours in June 2010 and was sold to new owners as a private residence on 9/15/10.http://www.lebold-mansion.com/ - Old Abilene Town - A replica of a part of old Abilene. Constructed as a replica historic district, beginning in the late 1950s, it includes several original buildings that have been moved from their original locations.
- A. B. Seelye House and Museum - A Georgian style mansion built in 1905 at a cost of $55,000. The 25 room mansion contains the original furniture and Edison light fixtures. The Patent Medicine Museum contains many artifacts of the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. http://www.seelyemansion.com/ Listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, it is currently a museum showcasing Seelye, an advocate of patent medicinePatent medicinePatent medicine refers to medical compounds of questionable effectiveness sold under a variety of names and labels. The term "patent medicine" is somewhat of a misnomer because, in most cases, although many of the products were trademarked, they were never patented...
s.
Notable people
Old West figures who lived in Abilene during its period as a cowtown included Wild Bill HickokWild Bill Hickok
James Butler Hickok , better known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a folk hero of the American Old West. His skills as a gunfighter and scout, along with his reputation as a lawman, provided the basis for his fame, although some of his exploits are fictionalized.Hickok came to the West as a stagecoach...
, cattle baron Joseph McCoy
Joseph McCoy
Joseph "Cowboy" McCoy was a 19th century cattle baron.Born in Sangamon county, Illinois, he is often cited as the inspiration for the phrase "The Real McCoy" because of his reputation and reliability and because he referred to himself by that phrase Joseph "Cowboy" McCoy (December 21, 1837 –...
, gambler Phil Coe
Phil Coe
Phil Coe , born Phillip Houston Coe, was a soldier, and Old West gambler and businessman from Texas. He became the business partner of gunfighter Ben Thompson in Abilene, Kansas...
, marshal Tom “Bear River” Smith
Thomas J. Smith
Thomas James Smith, known as Tom "Bear River" Smith , was a town marshal of Old West cattle town Abilene, Kansas, who was killed and decapitated in the line of duty.-Early life:...
, gunfighters John Wesley Hardin
John Wesley Hardin
John Wesley Hardin was an American outlaw, gunfighter, and controversial folk hero of the Old West. He was born in Bonham, Texas. Hardin found himself in trouble with the law at an early age, and spent the majority of his life being pursued by both local lawmen and federal troops of the...
and Ben Thompson
Ben Thompson
Ben Thompson was a gunman, gambler, and sometime lawman of the Old West. He was a contemporary of Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody, Doc Holliday, John Wesley Hardin and James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickock, some of whom considered him a trusted friend, others an enemy.Ben Thompson had a colorful career,...
, and Thompson's sister-in-law Libby
Libby Thompson
Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Thompson was a prostitute and dance hall girl who worked in Dodge City, Kansas and other frontier cattle towns during the 1870s. She later became famous as Squirrel Tooth Alice, madam of a brothel in Sweetwater, Texas....
, a prostitute and dance hall girl.
President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
and five-star general
General of the Army (United States)
General of the Army is a five-star general officer and is the second highest possible rank in the United States Army. A special rank of General of the Armies, which ranks above General of the Army, does exist but has only been conferred twice in the history of the Army...
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
grew up in Abilene as did his brothers Edgar
Edgar N. Eisenhower
Edgar N. Eisenhower was a lawyer, and the older brother of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was born in Hope, Kansas and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1914...
, Earl
Earl D. Eisenhower
Earl Dewey Eisenhower was an electrical engineer and legislator.-Early life and career:Born in Abilene, Kansas, he died in Scottsdale, Arizona. His brothers were: President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower, Edgar N. Eisenhower, and Milton Eisenhower...
, and Milton
Milton S. Eisenhower
Milton Stover Eisenhower, served as president of three major American universities: Kansas State University, the Pennsylvania State University, and the Johns Hopkins University. He was the younger brother of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Edgar N. Eisenhower, and Earl D...
. President Eisenhower is buried in Abilene, along with his wife Mamie
Mamie Eisenhower
Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower was the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and First Lady of the United States from 1953 to 1961.-Early life:...
and their eldest son Doud, on the grounds of his presidential library.
Other notable individuals who were born in and/or have lived in Abilene include:
- C. Olin BallC. Olin BallCharles Olin Ball was an American food scientist and inventor who was involved in the thermal death time studies in the food canning industry during the early 1920s. This research would be used as standard by the United States Food and Drug Administration for calculating thermal processes in canning...
, food scientist, inventor - Joseph R. BurtonJoseph R. BurtonJoseph Ralph Burton was a lawyer and United States Senator from the state of Kansas.- Early life :Burton was born and reared on his father's farm near Mitchell, Indiana. His father, Allen C. Burton, was descended from English ancestors, who came to America to escape the reign of Cromwell in the...
, U.S. SenatorUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
from Kansas - Steve DoocySteve DoocyStephen James "Steve" Doocy is an American network-television personality on the Fox News Channel, journalist, and a best selling author.-Early life:...
, journalist, author - Edward C. LittleEdward C. LittleEdward Campbell Little was a U.S. Representative from Kansas.Born in Newark, Ohio, Little moved to Kansas in 1866 with his parents, who settled in Olathe....
, U.S. RepresentativeUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from Kansas - Deane Waldo MalottDeane Waldo MalottDeane Waldo Malott was an American academic and administrator.The son of a banker, Malott was born in Abilene, Kansas and went on to study at the University of Kansas. While at school there, he wrote for the University Daily Kansan and was a brother in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity...
, university administrator - Frank D. ParentFrank D. ParentFrank D. Parent was a Los Angeles County municipal court judge between 1930 and 1958. He coached President Dwight D. Eisenhower on championship football and baseball teams at Abilene High School, Kansas, between 1905 and 1909. The Frank D...
, California court judge - Everett W. StewartEverett W. StewartEverett Wilson Stewart was an American flying ace of World War II with 7.83 aerial victories and 1.5 ground victories.-Military career:Everett Stewart joined the US Army Air Corps in 1938 and flew with the 20th Pursuit Group in the Pacific at the beginning of the war...
, World War II flying aceFlying aceA flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more... - Hy VandenbergHy VandenbergHarold Harris "Hy" Vandenberg born in Abilene, Kansas was a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox , New York Giants and Chicago Cubs ....
, Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Dickinson County, KansasNational Register of Historic Places listings in Dickinson County, KansasThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Dickinson County, Kansas.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States...
- Abilene High SchoolAbilene High School (Abilene, Kansas)Abilene High School is a fully accredited public high school located in Abilene, Kansas, USA, serving grades 9-12. The school is a part of Abilene Unified School District 435. The current building serves students from the city itself as well as outlying areas covered by the nearby Chapman district...
- Abilene TrailAbilene TrailThe Abilene Trail was a cattle trail leading from Texas to Abilene, Kansas. Its exact route is disputed owing to its many offshoots, but it crossed the Red River just east of Henrietta, Texas, and continued north across the Indian Territory to Caldwell, Kansas and on past Wichita and Newton to...
- Abilene, TexasAbilene, TexasAbilene is a city in Taylor and Jones counties in west central Texas. The population was 117,063 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a 2006 estimated population of 158,063. It is the county seat of Taylor County...
- Chisholm TrailChisholm TrailThe Chisholm Trail was a trail used in the late 19th century to drive cattle overland from ranches in Texas to Kansas railheads. The portion of the trail marked by Jesse Chisholm went from his southern trading post near the Red River, to his northern trading post near Kansas City, Kansas...
Further reading
- History of the State of Kansas; William G. Cutler; A.T. Andreas Publisher; 1883. (Online HTML eBook)
- Kansas : A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc; 3 Volumes; Frank W. Blackmar; Standard Publishing Co; 944 / 955 / 824 pages; 1912. (Volume1 - Download 54MB PDF eBook),(Volume2 - Download 53MB PDF eBook), (Volume3 - Download 33MB PDF eBook)
External links
CitySchools
- USD 435, local school district
Photos
Maps
- Abilene City Map, KDOT
- Dickinson County Map, KDOT