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Mitchell County, KS

Mitchell CountyMitchell County lies in Post Rock Country, an area of about 5,000 square miles running diagonally across mid-Kansas. the limestone, which lies only 12" to 18" below the surface proved very valuable to the pioneers for building materials. Prairie fires had destroyed most of the trees with only cottonwoods left along streams and river banks.

Normally, the limestone quarries were opened on the hillsides so only the overburden had to be removed, exposing a layer of limestone, usually about 8" thick. The rock was soft and relatively easy to work until exposed to the air when it quickly dried and hardened. Thus limestone fence posts became an identifying feature of the area rather than wooden fence posts. The beautiful limestone homes and courthouses are a reflection of the early day buildings.

Mitchell County was formed in 1870. It was named in honor of Capt. W . D. Mitchell, a Union Army officer who died in a battle at Monroe's Cross Roads in North Carolina in March 1865.

The first settlers in the area located near Solomon Rapids in 1865. Their cattle were run off by the Indians in 1866, forcing them to abandon their homestead. The town of Asherville was plotted in 1866. That year there was only one log cabin on the present site of Beloit, which was known as Willow Springs.

Mitchell County surrounds beautiful Lake Waconda - Glen Elder. The lake's surface area of 12,586 acres and 100 miles of shoreline afford ample room for many water-related activities. In addition to the water acreage, more than 13,200 acres of land are managed for public recreation.

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Col. William Newton Kinslow

When Col. William Newton Kinslow died in Beloit on Oct. 18, 1948, many attended his funeral, but no one bought him a head stone to mark his final resting place. At 6'7", Kinslow was a member of the National Society of Longfellows and at one time was listed as the second tallest man in Kansas.

Beloit, KS Pioneer Life

Mitchell County Courthouse

Built in 1901 for a total of $38,310. of 8" pitchfaced native limestone, of Richardsonian Romanesque design. The Seth Thomas four-faced clock in the courthouse tower was installed in 1904 and paid for by donations. Originally run by hand, the clock was electrified in 1950. Of the 25 rooms on 3

Beloit, KS Historic Courthouses

Butterfield's Buffalo Ranch

A herd of buffalo may be seen grazing contentedly near Beloit, Ks. The herd of 27 started in March 1978 by Larry, Jr. has now been increased to over 300 head. The Butterfield's opened a retail outlet store in 1979

Beloit, KS Buffalo Herds

Beloit Recreation

Beloit has a well maintained system of parks and recreation facilities. The city has 4 parks covering 50.2 acres. There are six reservoirs and lakes within 60 miles of Beloit, the closest being Waconda Lake located 11 miles west. Beloit's annual events include a county-wide 4

Beloit, KS Recreation

St. John's Catholic Church

A structure built of native limestone completed in 1904 in the form of a Latin Cross of Romanesque and Gothic style. It was the first church built in the United States with flying buttresses and an entire stone ceiling. The twin towers are 100' tall, 108' including the crosses adorning each tower.

Beloit, KS Historic Churches

World's Largest Ball of Twine

One of the world's largest balls of twine is displayed in a shelter house in downtown Cawker City on Highway 24. In 1953, Frank Stoeber, a thrifty local farmer started the ball with used twine from bales of hay. By 1973

Cawker City, KS One Of A Kinds

United Methodist Church Organ

Built in 1886, the Cawker City United Methodist Church Organ is the oldest church organ in Kansas. Henry Pilcher's Sons of Louisville, Kentucky built the organ for the congregational church in Kinsley, Kansas. At the time, it was the only organ in Kansas west of Emporia. In 1931

Cawker City, KS Historic Churches

Healing Waters: the Legend of Waconda Springs

Waconda Springs for centuries inspired wonder among its visitors. Both Indians and whites marveled at Kansas' largest saltwater spring. The diameter at the base is 300

Beloit, KS Indian Heritage

Port Library

The Port Library was built as a home of the late Mrs. Emma Port in 1916 and donated to the City of Beloit in 1931

Beloit, KS Historic Homes

Little Red Schoolhouse

This unique and original schoolhouse, built in 1871, has been completely restored to 19

Beloit, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Lakeside Golf Course

Lakeside Golf Course is a 9-hole artificial turf course built in 1994 and open to the public. It was designed by Dave Cunningham. Weekday green fees for non-members are $3.00 for 9 holes during peak season. Weekend green fees for non-members are $3.00 for 9 holes during peak season. Yardage: 522

Cawker City, KS Golf Courses

Beloit Golf Course

9-Hole golf course with grass greens, putting green, driving range, rental carts, cart shed, golf shop and clubhouse with snack bar and restaurant.

Beloit, KS Golf Courses

Explore Mitchell County