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
Stapleton #1 Historic Well Site
El Dorado became, for a while, the world's storybook oil field. Butler County encompassed 1,800 producing oil wells on 25,000 acres. The El Dorado Field is a story of men and events that helped Kansas and the nation emerge from the draft-horse and kerosene-lamp years into the gasoline age. "
El Dorado, KS Historic MarkersEl Dorado, Kansas - City of the Arts
ART GALLERIES Commerce Bank Atrium Gallery Circle Gallery & Frame Shop Gift Horse Farm - Gallery & Gardens Bill Walton Studio & Art Gallery Erman B. White Gallery Time-Light Images Gallery & Frame Studio ART STUDIOS Coutts Artist's Downtown Studio's Including - Jim Clements, artist
El Dorado, KS ArtsAugusta Historic Theater
The Augusta Historical Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a perfect example of the architectural elegance and grandeur of movie palaces in the 1920s and 1930s during the height of grand theatre building in the United States. The Augusta Theater opened June 19, 193
Augusta, KS Historic TheatresPost Office Mural
The U.S. Treasury Department commissioned the oil mural, "Kansas Gusher" by Donald Silks which has been placed on the National Register
Augusta, KS ArtsCircle Gallery & Frame Shop
"Custom framing, original art, art reproductions and scroll saw hardwood gifts. Circle Gallery has served the custom framing needs in Butler County for over 33 years. From October through May the Gallery serves as the front door for the Iron Horse Concert Hall, a bluegrass and folk music venue. "
El Dorado, KS ArtsSanta Fe Lake
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.
Augusta, KS LakesPrairie Trails Golf & Country Club
Course Access: Private
Holes: 18
Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7
El Dorado State Park and Lake
Where Special Events Happen El Dorado Lake is located just north and east of the City of El Dorado at the edge of the scenic Flint Hills. The lake has approximately 8,000 surface acres of water with 98 miles of shoreline. There are approximately 6,000
El Dorado, KS State Parks