Butler County, KS
Butler County has been a rich cattle grazing land since the 1860s. As early as 1857, the first pioneers looked down on the beautiful Walnut River valley and decided to make it home. At the center of the Flint Hills, the area has changed little since Captain Zebulon Pike noted the hills covered with flint rock cobbles during his 1806 expedition across Kansas. The Name "Flint Hills" had identified the region ever since.Since the beginning a lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and western style living has entertained and amazed the area traveler. The first cattle drives began in Texas during 1865 when animals were driven to Kansas railroads through the Flint Hills. By 1885 the wild Texas cattle drives were over and 5 million cattle had passed through the Hills on their journey to eastern markets. The era of custom grazing of out-of-state cattle began, and today over 1 million head of cattle are fattened annually on the lush pasture land.
The peaceful tranquility of the region changed forever when oil was discovered near El Dorado in 1915.
Cattle grazing and bottom land farming gave way to the mixed economy of beef and black gold.
Several area driving tours are available for the interest of the photographer, bird watcher, fossil hunter, antique lover, fisherman or amateur historian. So treat yourself to one of the best kept secret in the land - Butler County, where rich history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure abound.
Explore Butler County
Augusta Historical Museum & C.N. James Log Cabin
See Augusta's first building - the 1868 C.N. James log cabin, which stands on it's original site. A must see while traveling across Kansas. The Augusta Historical Museum is home to the 1868
Augusta, KS Pioneer LifeVickers Oil Refinery
The Vickers first refinery was built in Potwin in 1915. During the first half of the twentieth century, Potwin enjoyed the prosperity of the Vickers Oil refinery. Commencing with a lease on the Parris Farm 10 miles north of Potwin, production reached 16,000 barrels a day during the late 50's. In 196
Potwin, KS Oil HistoryMissouri-Pacific Depot
The El Dorado Missouri-Pacific Depot began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with news being brought in by train and other news transferred by the telegraph located at the depot.
El Dorado, KS Railroad HistoryCarnegie Library Building
El Dorado's first library was built in 1912 from locally quarried hand-cut, native white limestone. Topped with the Spanish tiled roof, the library was funded in part by Andrew Carnegie. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
El Dorado, KS Carnegie LibrariesKansas Museum of Military History
With exhibit space of 16,500 sq. ft., the Kansas Museum of Military History houses a collection of military vehicles, uniforms, and airplanes. You'll experience and learn about Kansans in military confrontations from Indian Wars through the current Iraq War.
Augusta, KS MuseumsBeaumont Hotel
The Beaumont Hotel was created in 1879 as a stagecoach and railroad stop to shelter weary pioneers when the railroad brought cattle barons and frontier society to The Beaumont.
Beaumont, KS Historic HotelsEl Dorado Broncos
The El Dorado Broncos are the summer collegiate baseball team in El Dorado. The team plays a 50-plus game schedule during June, July and August. They play all of their home games at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado. The team moved to El Dorado in 1996
El Dorado, KS RecreationEl Dorado Civic Center
Reservations for your meeting, banquet or workshop is as easy as one, two, three.
El Dorado, KS Civic CentersSanta Fe Lake
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.
Augusta, KS LakesAugusta Country Club
The Augusta Country Club golf course is a nine hole course, each with its own set of additional tees which allows it to be played as an 18 hole course. The club house is complete with snack bar, lounge and a full line golf shop. Weekly Men'
Augusta, KS Golf CoursesTriple S Ranch Supply
A true "Don't judge a book by its cover" stop; something for everyone can be found at Triple S Ranch Supply. They meet your ranching needs as well as a full line of clothing for the cowboy and cowgirl. Ropes, hats and boots are available. If they don'
El Dorado, KS Venue Attractions