Augusta, Kansas
Encyclopedia
Augusta is a city in Butler County
, Kansas
, United States
. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,274.
and the Walnut River
was originally inhabited by Native Americans
(primarily the Osage
), who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing. In 1868 C. N. James settled in the area and built a log house to serve also as a general store and trading post. He paid $40.00 for the land title from the U.S Land Office and named the new settlement after his wife, Augusta James. C. N. James' original log cabin still exists at its original location.
In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence
to El Dorado
. In 1881 it was extended to Douglass
, and later to Arkansas City
. The rail line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
. Service from Florence
to El Dorado
was abandoned in 1942. The original branch line connected Florence
, Burns
, De Graff, El Dorado
, Augusta
, Douglass
, Rock
, Akron, Winfield
, Arkansas City
.
The Frisco Railroad was later extended through Augusta.
(Phase II) was constructed about 1.5 miles west of Augusta, north to south through Butler County
, with much controversy over tax exemption and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs).
and Whitewater
Rivers. According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 4.4 square miles (11.4 km²), of which, 4 square miles (10.4 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1 km²) of it (8.82%) is water.
, now home to the Augusta Arts Council, is a classic example of Art Deco
. It was the first theater to be illuminated entirely by neon
lighting.
of 2000, there were 8,423 people, 3,277 households, and 2,307 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,091.1 people per square mile (807.0/km²). There were 3,585 housing units at an average density of 890.0 per square mile (343.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White, 0.18% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.68% from other races
, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.
There were 3,277 households out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples
living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,818, and the median income for a family was $51,886. Males had a median income of $36,465 versus $24,747 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $19,094. About 4.1% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
Kansas
Schools
Maps
Butler County, Kansas
Butler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in...
, 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 9,274.
19th century
The confluence of the Whitewater RiverWhitewater River (Kansas)
The Whitewater River is a tributary of the Walnut River in southern Kansas in the United States. Via the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River....
and the Walnut River
Walnut River
The Walnut River is a tributary of the Arkansas River, long, in the Flint Hills region of Kansas in the United States. Via the Arkansas, it is part of the Mississippi River watershed....
was originally inhabited by Native Americans
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
(primarily the Osage
Osage Nation
The Osage Nation is a Native American Siouan-language tribe in the United States that originated in the Ohio River valley in present-day Kentucky. After years of war with invading Iroquois, the Osage migrated west of the Mississippi River to their historic lands in present-day Arkansas, Missouri,...
), who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing. In 1868 C. N. James settled in the area and built a log house to serve also as a general store and trading post. He paid $40.00 for the land title from the U.S Land Office and named the new settlement after his wife, Augusta James. C. N. James' original log cabin still exists at its original location.
In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
. In 1881 it was extended to Douglass
Douglass, Kansas
Douglass is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,700.-19th century:In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to...
, and later to Arkansas City
Arkansas City, Kansas
Arkansas City is a city situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers in the southwestern part of Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,415....
. The rail line was leased and operated by 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...
. Service from Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
to El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
was abandoned in 1942. The original branch line connected Florence
Florence, Kansas
Florence is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city was named after the daughter of former Kansas Governor Samuel J. Crawford. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 465.-19th century:...
, Burns
Burns, Kansas
Burns is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. The city name came from a nearby train station, which was named prior to the city being incorporated. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 228.-History:-19th century:...
, De Graff, El Dorado
El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County...
, Augusta
Augusta, Kansas
Augusta is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,274.-19th century:The confluence of the Whitewater River and the Walnut River was originally inhabited by Native Americans , who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing. In 1868 C. N...
, Douglass
Douglass, Kansas
Douglass is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,700.-19th century:In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado, in 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to...
, Rock
Rock, Kansas
Rock is an unincorporated community in Cowley County, Kansas, United States.-19th century:The post office was established August 12, 1870. The nearby Bucher Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places....
, Akron, Winfield
Winfield, Kansas
Winfield is a city situated along the Walnut River in the west-central part of Cowley County, located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,301...
, Arkansas City
Arkansas City, Kansas
Arkansas City is a city situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers in the southwestern part of Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,415....
.
The Frisco Railroad was later extended through Augusta.
20th century
The discovery of oil and natural gas in Butler County lead to further growth and became a major source of employment for many years.21st century
In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing PipelineKeystone Pipeline
The Keystone Pipeline System is a pipeline system to transport synthetic crude oil and diluted bitumen from the Athabasca Oil Sands in northeastern Alberta, Canada to multiple destinations in the United States, which include refineries in Illinois, Cushing oil distribution hub in Oklahoma, and...
(Phase II) was constructed about 1.5 miles west of Augusta, north to south through Butler County
Butler County, Kansas
Butler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in...
, with much controversy over tax exemption and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs).
Geography
Augusta is located at 37°41′33"N 96°58′48"W (37.692425, -96.979886), at the confluence of the WalnutWalnut River
The Walnut River is a tributary of the Arkansas River, long, in the Flint Hills region of Kansas in the United States. Via the Arkansas, it is part of the Mississippi River watershed....
and Whitewater
Whitewater River (Kansas)
The Whitewater River is a tributary of the Walnut River in southern Kansas in the United States. Via the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers, it is part of the watershed of the Mississippi River....
Rivers. 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...
, the city has a total area of 4.4 square miles (11.4 km²), of which, 4 square miles (10.4 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1 km²) of it (8.82%) is water.
Landmarks
The Augusta TheaterAugusta Theater
The Augusta Theater is a movie theater located in the city of Augusta, Kansas, United States. Designed by architect L. P. Larson, the walls are decorated with large murals depicting classical scenes. It is significant, however, in that it was the first theater to use neon lighting exclusively...
, now home to the Augusta Arts Council, is a classic example of Art Deco
Art Deco
Art deco , or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and...
. It was the first theater to be illuminated entirely by neon
Neon
Neon is the chemical element that has the symbol Ne and an atomic number of 10. Although a very common element in the universe, it is rare on Earth. A colorless, inert noble gas under standard conditions, neon gives a distinct reddish-orange glow when used in either low-voltage neon glow lamps or...
lighting.
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 8,423 people, 3,277 households, and 2,307 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 2,091.1 people per square mile (807.0/km²). There were 3,585 housing units at an average density of 890.0 per square mile (343.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White, 0.18% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.68% 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 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.
There were 3,277 households out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% 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, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $41,818, and the median income for a family was $51,886. Males had a median income of $36,465 versus $24,747 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 $19,094. About 4.1% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, KansasNational Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, KansasThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, Kansas.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties on the National Register of Historic Places in Butler County, Kansas, United States...
- Augusta TheaterAugusta TheaterThe Augusta Theater is a movie theater located in the city of Augusta, Kansas, United States. Designed by architect L. P. Larson, the walls are decorated with large murals depicting classical scenes. It is significant, however, in that it was the first theater to use neon lighting exclusively...
- C. N. James CabinC. N. James CabinThe C. N. James Cabin is a frontier-style log cabin, originally used as both a store and home, constructed in 1868. It was later also used as a church. It stands in what is now Augusta, Kansas. The builder and proprieter of the store was Chester N. James, a merchant who moved to the area to...
- Loomis-Parry ResidenceLoomis-Parry ResidenceThe Loomis-Parry Residence is a mixed-style residential house, constructed in 1917, in Augusta, Kansas. It is a 2-story structure, with an irregular floor plan, that retains nearly all of its original materials, including exterior brick walls and double-hung wooden windows. It has been continuously...
- Augusta Theater
Further reading
County- History of Butler County Kansas; Vol P Mooney; Standard Publishing; 869 pages; 1916. (Download 68MB PDF eBook)
Kansas
- 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
City- City of Augusta
- Augusta - Directory of Public Officials
- Downtown Augusta
- Augusta Chamber of Commerce
Schools
- USD 402, local school district
Maps
- Augusta City Map, KDOT
- Butler County Map, KDOT