Discover The 7 Oldest Cities in Kansas

Kansas is home to some of the oldest cities in the United States. These cities have been around since before Kansas even became a state. They continue to be vibrant hubs of activity today. From bustling metropolises like Wichita to small towns with rich histories, these are seven of the oldest cities in Kansas. You should visit if you’re looking for a unique experience or just want to explore what makes this great state so special.

1. Leavenworth

The first city on our list is Leavenworth. It was founded way back in 1854 and quickly grew into an important trading post along the Oregon Trail. Today it’s still known for its historic downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and museums — notably Fort Leavenworth National Historic Landmark. This landmark museum tells stories from both World Wars as well as more recent conflicts such as Vietnam War and Gulf War I. It’s also home to several colleges including the University of Saint Mary.

2. Lawrence

Next up we have Lawrence. It is another old-timer on this list that dates all the way back to 1854. Settlers arrived in this city seeking freedom from slavery laws elsewhere at the time. It was a one-stop station during the Underground Railroad. Nowadays though it’s best known for being a college town thanks to two universities located here — The University of Kansas (KU) and Haskell Indian Nations University —giving students plenty of opportunities to learn new things while exploring the history behind the city itself!  

3. Atchison

This city of Atchison was established in 1854 and may be found in the state of Kansas along the Missouri Riverbanks. In addition to its function as a transportation center, it played an important part in the Civil War era. Camp was established for the Union forces here prior to their march into battle against the Confederate troops that were stationed in the area.

Today, Atchison stays loyal to its beginnings by providing guests with one-of-a-kind experiences such as walking tours of old downtown. There, they can find a large number of historical monuments, churches, residences, and other buildings that have been preserved beautifully and seem exactly the same as they did many decades ago. 

4. Topeka

Moving southwest from Atchison, we come across Topeka, which was founded in 1854 and became the capital of Kansas in 1861. It was originally named “Bogus Town” by settlers who lived there. However, later the name changed to reflect the local tribe language meaning “good place to eat.” This quaint yet lively destination offers visitors a variety of attractions. Visitors can find the State Capitol Building where politicians work passing laws affecting the entire state. In addition, visitors can also see the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site commemorating the 1954 Supreme Court decision desegregating public schools nationwide.

5. Olathe

The city of Olathe was established in 1857. However, significant growth did not occur until the end of the Civil War in 1865. Because there were train lines leading to larger markets that were located outside of the state’s borders, it developed into a significant agricultural hub in the surrounding area. Because of this, farmers were able to reach new customers beyond the confines of traditional marketplaces.

6. Emporia

The city of Emporia was established on upland grassland six miles above the confluence of the Neosho and Cottonwood rivers on February 20, 1857. The Town Company planned for a prosperous future for the area. This small city may be relatively young compared with other places listed here but nonetheless holds historical significance due to US Indian Agent Thomas H Harvey establishing a settlement there in 1858.

Although most buildings were destroyed by the great fire in 1886, rebuilding efforts soon followed. This included the construction of the iconic Granada Theater in 1928, which continues to serve as a popular entertainment venue.

7. Wichita

Last but not least, let’s talk about Wichita — the largest metropolitan area in Kansas, established as a city in 1870. It boasts a population of more than 600,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates in 2019. This makes sense considering how much cultural diversity has grown here throughout the past several decades making it a truly unique place to live, work, and play. From Old Cowtown Museum showcasing Wild West-era artifacts to various art galleries displaying works by talented local artists, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In Conclusion

These are just a small taste of the many historic cities that may be found strewn over the wonderful state of Kansas. When you plan your next trip to this state in the Midwest that has such a long and illustrious history, you should make it a point to visit each of these places!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Oleksii Liskonih