Barber County, Kansas
Barber County, Kansas is a rural county located in the south-central part of the state. It is bordered by Comanche County to the north, Harper County to the east, Kingman County to the south, and Pratt County to the west. Barber County covers an area of 1,088 square miles and has a population of 4,944 people as of 2019.
The geography of Barber County is predominantly flat with rolling hills in some areas. The terrain is mostly covered with prairie grasses and small shrubs. There are several small streams that flow through the county and feed into larger rivers such as Beaver River and Cimarron River which eventually make their way into Oklahoma.
The climate in Barber County is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 24 degrees Fahrenheit in January to a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Rainfall averages around 25 inches annually with most rain falling during spring and summer months.
Barber County contains several parks and recreational areas including Medicine Lodge State Park which offers camping, fishing, hiking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts and more for visitors to enjoy. The county also contains several historical sites such as Fort Larned National Historic Site which was used by US Army troops during the Indian Wars and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates a deadly attack on Cheyenne Indians in 1864.
Overall Barber County offers residents a quiet rural lifestyle surrounded by nature while still being close enough to larger cities such as Wichita for additional amenities or entertainment options when needed.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Barber County, Kansas
Barber County, Kansas is home to several cities and towns, with Medicine Lodge serving as the county seat. Medicine Lodge is a small city of 1,521 people located in the northern part of the county and is home to several historical sites including Medicine Lodge State Park and the First United Methodist Church which was built in 1879. The city also offers a variety of amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and other services.
The largest city in Barber County is Kiowa which has a population of 1,732 people. Located in the southern part of the county, Kiowa offers a variety of amenities for its residents including grocery stores, banks, restaurants, parks and more. The town also contains several historical sites such as Fort Larned National Historic Site which was used by US Army troops during the Indian Wars and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site which commemorates a deadly attack on Cheyenne Indians in 1864.
The town of Sun City has a population of 517 people and is located in central Barber County near Medicine Lodge. Sun City offers its residents several amenities such as grocery stores, banks, restaurants and more. The town also contains some historical sites such as Sun City Schoolhouse which was built in 1886.
According to countryaah.com, other smaller cities and towns located throughout Barber County include Sharon (population: 327), Hardtner (population: 175), Hazelton (population: 140) and Isabella (population: 113). Each city or town provides its residents with basic amenities such as grocery stores or banks as well as some recreational activities like parks or golf courses for visitors to enjoy.
Overall Barber County offers its residents small-town living surrounded by nature while still being close enough to Wichita for additional entertainment options when needed. With an array of cities and towns to choose from there’s something for everyone living within Barber County’s borders.
History of Barber County, Kansas
Barber County, Kansas has a rich and varied history that dates back to before its official founding in 1873. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kiowa and Apache. These tribes would live in the area for centuries before the arrival of white settlers.
The first white settlers began arriving in Barber County during the late 1860s, with many coming from Missouri and other states in search of new opportunities. The county was officially organized on February 26th, 1873 and named for Thomas Barber, who was an early settler and prominent rancher in the region.
During this time, Barber County’s economy was centered around agriculture, with many of its residents growing wheat, corn, cattle and other crops for sale. However, the county also had some mining operations as well due to its deposits of gypsum and coal.
In addition to agriculture and mining, Barber County also developed a strong tourism industry during this period due to its proximity to Wichita and other nearby cities. This allowed visitors to experience small-town living while still being able to enjoy all that Wichita had to offer.
The county continued to grow throughout the 20th century despite several setbacks such as droughts or economic downturns. Today Barber County is still largely rural with a population of just over 4500 people spread across seven cities or towns including Medicine Lodge (the county seat), Kiowa, Sun City, Sharon, Hardtner, Hazelton and Isabella. Despite this small population size however Barber County continues to be an important part of Kansas’ economy thanks largely to its agricultural production as well as its tourism industry which brings thousands of visitors each year from around the world.
Economy of Barber County, Kansas
The economy of Barber County, Kansas is largely supported by its agricultural production. The county’s rolling plains are ideal for raising cattle, wheat, corn, and other crops. The county also has deposits of gypsum and coal which are mined for industrial purposes.
In addition to agriculture and mining, Barber County also has a strong tourism industry. Due to its proximity to Wichita and other nearby cities, the county receives thousands of visitors each year who come to experience small-town living while still being able to enjoy all that Wichita has to offer.
The local government plays an important role in the economy of Barber County as well. The county provides financial incentives for businesses that are interested in relocating or expanding operations within its borders. These incentives include tax credits, grants, and other forms of assistance which help businesses grow and create jobs in the area.
The county also has a variety of educational opportunities available through its public school system as well as several private schools located in the area. These schools provide students with a quality education that prepares them for success after graduation.
Overall, Barber County is an important part of Kansas’ economy thanks largely to its agricultural production as well as its tourism industry which brings thousands of visitors each year from around the world. The county provides residents with a high quality of life that includes a variety of job opportunities, excellent educational opportunities, and plenty of recreational activities for people to enjoy.
