Independence, Kansas

Independence, Kansas

Communities are simply a reflection of the citizens who live there. In Independence, Kansas that vision reflects a fierce pride for a colorful past and a sincere determination to preserve it while continually forging ahead. Citizens of Independence don't just "reside" here... they "live" here. And that takes a good amount of dedication and involvement... a commitment to its success.

In August, 1869, a small band of men left the city of Oswego, Kansas, hoping to find a favorable spot and become founders of a city. Their southwesterly course led them to the Verdigris River Valley.

The first stop occurred at Montgomery City, in Drum Creek Township, but they failed to obtain satisfactory arrangements with the Town Company that was already there. Determined to build a city that should bear in its name the spirit that prompted its establishment, Independence was founded. A post office was established in Independence July 1, 1870. In accordance with a proclamation issued by the Probate Judge, Independence became incorporated as a village on July 23,1870.

Legend has it that Independence, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, had more millionaires per capita than any place else in the United states. Standing as testimony to that legend are the stately mansions still scattered throughout the city. The five story former ARCO building at 200 ARCO Place, now the home to various businesses and state offices, still stands as a monument to the entrepreneurial spirit that not only produced the oil and gas industries, but also helped shape the future of Independence.

We're proud to be the hometown of Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright William Inge; cable TV newsman/producer Bill Kurtis; Vivian Vance of "I Love Lucy" fame; Miss Able, the first monkey in space; Martin Johnson, world explorer; Harry Sinclair, founder of Sinclair Oil; and Alf Landon, 1936 presidential candidate. Others who called Independence home include Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House books; and Tom Mix and Louise Brooks of silent movie fame.

We invite you to enjoy the abundance of history, culture, and recreation that is uniquely ours. We're sure you will "Catch the Spirit of Independence."

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Attractions near Independence, Kansas

Plainville Township Lake
Plainville Township Lake

Plainville Township Lake is not only a popular fishing spot, but is also the site of the cities annual July 4 fireworks displ...

Centralia City Lake Fishing

Centralia City Lake is usually noted for good channel cat, white bass and crappie fishing. White bass numbers are down some...

The Iron Gate Inn - The Baden House
The Iron Gate Inn - The Baden House

This Cross-gable Victorian home was built in 1885 by J.P. Baden, an early industrialist, founder of St. John's College, and o...

Black Dog Trail Marker
Black Dog Trail Marker

Located on the grounds of the Historical Museum, the marker commemorates the Black Dog Trail opened in 1803 by Chief Black Do...

Lake Inman
Lake Inman

Lake Inman, the largest natural lake in Kansas, is home to thousands of waterfowl. ...

Cottonwood Ranch

Cottonwood Ranch was purchased by the Kansas Historical Society in 1982. The Ranch established in the late 1800's was started...

Waconda Lake Fishing
Waconda Lake Fishing

Fishing is generally good for most species, primarily in the spring, fall, and winter.Walleye are more susceptible ...

Irene B French Community Center

The Irene B French Community Center is located in a renovated historic school building that was the Merriam Grade and High Sc...

Henry's Sculpture Hill
Henry's Sculpture Hill

Over 28 metal sculptures including deer, bison, and other giant creatures adorn this hill....

WPA Beach House

The WPA Beach House at Gardner Lake is listed on the National Register of Historic Places....

Upcoming Events near Independence, Kansas

Arma, Kansas Annual V-J Homecoming Celebration

Start Date: Fri August, 16th
Arma puts its own twist on its annual homecoming celebration by paying tribute to those who serve our country. Arma is home t...

LeRoy Homecoming

Start Date: Fri August, 23rd
LeRoy's official town celebration includes fun events for the young and young hearted. Events begin Friday evening with the h...

This is the largest Festival in Southeast Kansas. Labor Day weekend brings the celebration of the coal mining heritage back to life. The entire city of Pittsburg is filled with over 40,000 people celebrating the mixture of heritages and lifestyles. Activities throughout the city include golf tournaments, bocci, horseshoes, softball and volleyball tournaments, a vintage car display, 3 on 3 basketball ball tourney, Doo Dah Parade, and live Polka music for the evening street dance. Lincoln Park hosts a state sanctioned Chili Cook-off. Arts and craft booths fill the park along with ethnic food booths, allowing you to sample some mouth watering foods of the past. The Memorial Audorium is the place to be for
Little Balkans Days and PAACA Folklife Festival

Start Date: Fri August, 30th
This is the largest Festival in Southeast Kansas. Labor Day weekend brings the celebration of the coal mining heritage back t...

Coffeyville's Inter-State Fair & Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in Southeast Kansas. It features top name country music concerts, a demolition derby, carnival, and three nights of PRCA rodeo in addition to a wide variety of livestock and fair exhibits, commercial exhibits, food and many other activities.
Coffeyville Inter-State Fair & Rodeo

Start Date: Fri August, 9th
Coffeyville's Inter-State Fair & Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in Southeast Kansas. It features top name country mus...

The Four State Farm Show

Start Date: Fri July, 19th
A giant city rises from the plains for three days on the third weekend in July. Over 700 booths and displays showcase all of ...

WildBlue BBQ & Expo

Start Date: Fri July, 19th
KCBS sanctioned BBQ competition, community BBQ, craft fair, live entertainment, kids petal tractor pull competition and much ...

Montgomery County 4-H Fair

Start Date: Fri July, 26th
Bring the whole family for a great day of fun and excitement. The 4H exhibits are wonderful, and a pleasure to see what the k...

Allen County Fair & Rodeo

Start Date: Fri July, 26th
The first week in August is the Annual Allen County Fair and Rodeo. One of the best fairs and rodeos in Kansas, it is showcas...

IPRA - JCRA Rodeo

Start Date: Fri July, 5th
...

Jock's Nitch Softball Classic

Start Date: Fri June, 14th
The largest tournament in the Midwest. USSSA Sanctioned. Over 130 teams from the four-state area, take to ball fields in Pitt...

Independence Map

From our blogs

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