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
The Augusta Historical Museum houses over 30 exhibits of regional history. Visit the two-story log cabin on its original site which served as post office, general store, and school. The Museum offers rotating exhibits covering time era from the mid 1800s throughout the 1940
Augusta, KS MuseumsEl 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 RecreationCircle 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 ArtsWilliam Allen White Monument
The commemorative marble monument honors the Pulitzer Prize winning editor who was reared in El Dorado.
William Allen White
The world beat a path to the cluttered desk of William Allen White, publisher of a small daily newspaper, The Emporia Gazette in Kansas.
El Dorado, KS Monuments
Augusta 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 CoursesAugusta 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 LifeRobin's
A unique shopping experience. Robin's offers the latest in fashion clothes, jewlery, shoes,and tux rentals. The friendly assistance you receive here keeps you coming back. Robin's offers a variety of styles to choose from.
El Dorado, KS UniquesPrairie Trails Golf & Country Club
Course Access: Private
Holes: 18
Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7
Vickers 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 HistoryStapleton #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 Markers