Atchison County, KS

Learn more of Atchison County by visiting its unique cities described below.
Atchison
See Atchison City Page on left menu
Effingham
Established in 1868, this town was platted along the Central Branch Railroad. Effingham was also an important livestock shipping center and trading point. In 1915 there were 22 businesses and 5 churches. The town first received electricity in 1914 from Atchison.
Huron
Established 1882. The town site was originally the property of Colonel D.R. Anthony. Huron was relocated to a new site along the railroad. Many fires destroyed the town depleting the population. The town is either named after the Huron Indians or an Ohio County.
Lancaster
Established 1858. The old Military Road passed through this little town. A good trading point and livestock shipping center, this prosperous community at one time supported 15 public buildings and many families.
Cummings
The original name was Cummingsville and was established in 1872. The town was platted by William Cummings to set along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. In the 1920's there were sixteen businesses and three churches.
>Larkinburg
This is a community straddling the Atchison-Jackson County line. This town was platted as a station on the Leavenworth, Kansas and Western Railroad which pushed through the county in 1871 and served this part of the state until 1935.
Arrington
Established 1884. Popular mineral springs attracted people who were hoping to find a fountain of youth. The town grew fast because of health resorts. Most of the town was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. The springs are now farm land.
Parnell
This town was established in 1883 as a station on the Santa Fe and Missouri railroads. Named in honor of James Parnell, who was a Civil War hero, one of the first from Atchison County to respond to Lincoln's call. He died in battle Hoare Head, A.R.
Muscotah
Established 1857. The name is of Indian origin and signifies "Beautiful Prairie" or "Prairie on Fire." The townsite of the present Muscotah was originally part of the Kickapoo Indian lands and was granted by a U.S. patent to Chief Pe-it-e-quark.
Kennekuk
The town of Kennekuk was founded as a stage stop in 1858 and named after Kickapoo Indian Chief, John Kennekuk. One of the earliest settlements in Atchison County and the headquarters for the Kickapoo Agency, it served at least three trails in the 1850's and 1860's; an overland freighting and stagecoach road from Atchison; a stage coach and Pony Express road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley.
Explore Atchison County
Atchison State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
A 66 acre lake contains largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, bluegill sunfish and black crappie. The wildlife area has about 136 acres of grass and timber open to hunting.
Atchison, KS RecreationWarnock Lake
At Warnock Lake you'll enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, picnics and games, and a shelter house and restrooms. Camper hookups and concrete pads are available for $2.00 per camper.
Atchison, KS RecreationScenic Views
Views of the Missouri River, its bluffs and valley are dramatic every season of the year.
Atchison, KS Scenic ViewsSnow Creek Ski Area
Snow Creek Ski Area is Northeast Kansas'/Missouri's only Alpine ski area. Facilities include nine intermediate trails, 2 triple chair lifts and 2 beginner areas with 3 rope tows. A day lodge features a cafeteria-style restaurant and a lounge, ski rental and ticket sales. Open daily. 100%
Atchison, KS SkiingAmelia Earhart
Despite a few privileged years living with her grandparents in Atchison, Kansas, Amelia Earhart's childhood years were fairly transitional. Her father's job took him to Des Moines, where the family joined him a few years later. In 1913
Atchison, KS Famous PeopleTrinity Episcopal Church
This charming limestone building was completed in 1868 according to plans of Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church on New York's Wall Street. The interior has beams and pews of native black walnut and lovely stained-glass windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesAtchison Post Office
This Richardsonian Romanesque structure of cottonwood limestone was completed in 1894, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features an arched entry and rounded towers on its southeast and southwest corners.
Atchison, KS National RegisterJackson Park
Jackson Park is the largest park in Atchison and the center of community fun days as well as family outtings. It is a heavily-wooded area with hiking and biking trails, play equipment, shelterhouses and picnic facilities.
Atchison, KS ParksSt. Patrick's Church
St. Patrick's is the oldest Catholic structure in continous use in Kansas by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City. In the spring of 1857, St. Patrick's was established by Rev. Augustine Wirth, O.S.B. The first church was erected in the fall of 1859
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesAtchison - Morman Grove
A historic marker erected by the Kansas State Historical Society that commemorates the site where, during the years between 1855 and 1857, some 20,000 Mormons camped before moving on to their "promised land".
Atchison, KS LandmarksMuchnic Art Gallery
Parquet floors, stained-glass windows, hand-tooled leather and finely-carved woodwork set an impressive surrounding for the works of regional artists that change each month. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Atchison, KS ArtsEvah C. Cray Historical Home Museum
This 25-room mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places , is a glorious example of the opulence of the Victorian era. Built in 1882
Atchison, KS Museums