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
El 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 RecreationPost 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 ArtsTriple S Ranch Supply
A true "Don't judge a book by its cover" stop; something for everyone can be found at Triple S Ranch Supply. They meet your ranching needs as well as a full line of clothing for the cowboy and cowgirl. Ropes, hats and boots are available. If they don'
El Dorado, KS Venue AttractionsKansas Museum of Military History
With exhibit space of 16,500 sq. ft., the Kansas Museum of Military History houses a collection of military vehicles, uniforms, and airplanes. You'll experience and learn about Kansans in military confrontations from Indian Wars through the current Iraq War.
Augusta, KS MuseumsDouglass Community Building
The building listed on the National Register of Historic Places was constructed in 1938 of native stone for the WPA (Works Projects Administration)
Douglass, KS Historic BuildingsBeaumont Hotel
The Beaumont Hotel was created in 1879 as a stagecoach and railroad stop to shelter weary pioneers when the railroad brought cattle barons and frontier society to The Beaumont.
Beaumont, KS Historic HotelsStapleton #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 MarkersRock Creek Stone Arch Bridge
Turn back the clock and drive across this graceful old bridge built in the 1880
Latham, KS Historic Bridges