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Concordia, Kansas

Concordia is a portrait on the Kansas prairie. As one looks out across the valley and sees the little town enfolded in the softly rolling hills, one feels a sense of peace.

Symbol of Kansas, the tall grain elevator thrusts its white towers into the sky. The old of the red brick convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph blends with the new of the Junior College and the hospital.

Concordia is a pretty town - a pleasant town with well kept homes. There are comfortable schools; a much used City Park with a bandshell and a baseball diamond. The churches speak of the faith and generosity of their members. The main street is simple, dignified and well-cared for.

Concordia became a town in 1871, founded by Jim Hagaman, a very motivated and community minded individual. The artists who painted those first brush strokes of the "Portrait On The Prairie" were gallant souls with incredible courage and daring spirit.

The great lure was land . . . all that land. It created exciting dreams of a future of wealth, power, freedom, of "being somebody." Many who came were from eastern states. Many were impoverished men, often well educated, who came because the land was free. Many who came were immigrants. Each immigrant coming from crowded, impoverished, politically controlled countries in Europe, knew what it meant to have "his own land."

So they came, from the east seeking land and wealth and investments; from Europe seeking land, freedom and identity; all of them seeking the opportunity to be part of a new experience, to be free.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Whole Wall Mural

Big Brick, Big Wall, Big WOW! "How did they do that?" "I've never noticed this before!" What was once a nondescript wall that vehicles whizzed by on their way through Concordia on US 81

Concordia, KS Murals

Harris Building

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally build as a bank, until recently it housed the offices of the Harris's playground equipment company. It has recently been purchased by Dr. Wentz who is in the process of preserving this beautiful building.

Concordia, KS Historic Buildings

Frank Carlson Memorial Library

The library contains the Frank Carlson Room that exhitits memorabilia from Carlson's experiences as a legislator, congressman, governor, and U.S. Senator.

Concordia, KS Memorials

Nazareth Motherhouse

Known as the beacon light of Concordia, the well-known rose window looks over the community from the convent. It is the official Motherhouse and Home for the 260 Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. It was built in 1903 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites

Concordia, KS Historic Churches

Camp Concordia

From 1943 to 1945 during WWII over 4,000 Germans were held in an internment camp where they experienced a type of freedom they had never known at home. Located on 157.5 acres, Camp Concordia consisted of 308 buildings. Today, a guard tower, guard post building, water tower base and building T-9

Concordia, KS Military History

Things to do near Concordia, KS

Tipton Golf Course

The Tipton Golf Course is a public, nine hole course with sand greens. It hosted the State Sand Green finals in 2005. ...

Bill Hougland - Gold Medalist

Bill Hougland transferred to Beloit High School his junior year in 1947. He then took the team to its first state championshi...