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Horton, Kansas

Horton, Kansas

Horton was founded September 20, 1886. The town was christened and named after Chief Justice Judge, A.H. Horton, eminent jurist, held in high esteem by the people of Kansas; for nearly twenty years he served as Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court.

The construction of the Rock Island Railroad throughout the state of Kansas in 1886, fathered the city. It was a Boom Town and grew so rapidly that it was called the "Magic City." Later, the name "Little Chicago" was used by supporters who hoped that because of its phenomenal growth, it might equal or surpass Chicago, Illinois in size. The name "Little Chicago" was also used derisively in regard to Horton by envious neighboring cities. On March 21, 1887, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific machine shops at Horton were staked out. Within 16 months the new town had a population of 4,000. Starting from an open field to being a bustling city in that length of time was indeed magic!

In December 1936, a representative of the Rural Electrification Administration, from Washington, D.C. held a meeting in the High School Auditorium in Horton, to explain how an electric cooperative could be formed. Those present, immediately formed a board and conducted a survey of potential users. The results were so positive that early in 1937 plans were submitted for the first REA project. The first pole was set November 10, 1937 and on April 1, 1938 the first line was energized.

A Memorial was erected at the corner of 5th Avenue East and 15th Street in 1987 by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives and the Kansas State Historical Society. This was also the location of the first pole set. Because Horton was the first city to acquire a REA project, the Horton City Commission voted to adopt "The Electric City" as the city logo on May 1, 1995.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Horton Swimming Pool

The Horton Swimming Pool features public swimming with a playground, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, and track, soccer and baseball fields are nearby.

Horton, KS Recreation

Mission Lake

Located in the Northeast corner of Horton, Mission Lake is easily accessible from either US-73 or from Highway K-20/US-73. It has 278 acres of camping grounds with over 100

Horton, KS Recreation

First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church is located at 1101 Central Avenue and was charted November 16, 1887, with eleven members. The present church was built in 1915 after the congregation united with the Free Will Baptist Church. In 1946

Horton, KS Historic Churches

Lakeview Country Club

Lakeview Country Club at Mission Lake is a 9

Horton, KS Golf Courses

Free Public Library

In 1901, the History and Literature Club, which had been organized in 1891, wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie requesting his help in creating a public library in Horton. This encouraged Federated Women's Clubs to get a tax levy for establishing a library and in 1938

Horton, KS Historic Buildings

Things to do near Horton, KS

Pony Creek Lake Camping

There are only a few primitive camping spots. It would be advisable to check to see if more have been made available. ...

Hiawatha Aquatic Park

Enjoy our 140 foot water slide! Pool Hours: 1:00 - 8:00 PM daily (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend) After school ...