Bushong, Kansas

Bushong is a tiny town in Kansas with a population of just 27 as of the 2020 census. Despite its size, it holds a unique place in Kansas history and offers intriguing sights for those interested in ghost towns, railroads, and Cold War relics.

Originally called Weeks, the town was renamed Bushong in 1886 to honor Al "Doc" Bushong, the catcher for the St. Louis Browns. After the Browns won the 1886 World Series over the Chicago White Stockings, the Missouri Pacific Railroad named several depots after players; Bushong is the only town still bearing one of those names. Bushong began as a Missouri Pacific Railroad whistle-stop. The town once featured a depot, cattle pens, and a quarry that supplied stone to Kansas City. While the railroad is gone, remnants remain. The Bushong State Bank has only the stone shell and vault remaining. The Bushong Hotel has partial walls that still stand, offering a glimpse into the town's past. And Old Sidewalks which are surprisingly intact, hint at the town's former activity. The original two-story school, built in 1886, served grades 1-8 until 1948. A brick high school replaced it and later became a civic center before being abandoned. A well-preserved Methodist church still stands at 4th and Main, reflecting the town's community spirit. From 1961 to 1965, Bushong hosted an Atlas E intercontinental ballistic missile silo as part of the 548th Strategic Missile Squadron. Though decommissioned, the site remains a point of interest for Cold War history enthusiasts.

Bushong lies along the Flint Hills Trail, a 117-mile rail-trail that follows the former Missouri Pacific Railroad corridor. It's ideal for hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the scenic Kansas countryside.

Bushong is a quiet town with a small population, so amenities are limited. It's advisable to plan ahead for accommodations and dining, possibly in nearby towns like Council Grove or Emporia. The town's historical sites are best appreciated during daylight hours, and the Flint Hills Trail offers a scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts.