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
Missouri-Pacific Depot
The El Dorado Missouri-Pacific Depot began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with news being brought in by train and other news transferred by the telegraph located at the depot.
El Dorado, KS Railroad HistoryButler Community College
El Dorado has been home to Butler Community College since it was founded in 1927. The then El Dorado Junior College was originally housed within the town's Junior High School. Today the college is located at the southwest corner of Haverhill and Towanda. The El Dorado campus is home to 256
El Dorado, KS CollegesCarnegie Library Building
El Dorado's first library was built in 1912 from locally quarried hand-cut, native white limestone. Topped with the Spanish tiled roof, the library was funded in part by Andrew Carnegie. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
El Dorado, KS Carnegie LibrariesAugusta 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 CoursesSanta Fe Lake
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.
Augusta, KS LakesRock Creek Stone Arch Bridge
Turn back the clock and drive across this graceful old bridge built in the 1880
Latham, KS Historic BridgesButler County Courthouse
The historic Butler County Courthouse was built in 1909. Its Romanesque Style was designed by famed architect, George P. Washburn. Its terrazzo floors are still intact and reflect its elegant history. The first woman jury in Kansas met here in 1912.
El Dorado, KS Historic CourthousesWalter's Pumpkin Patch
Where Fall Begins! Walters' Pumpkin Patch has hours of entertainment for families of all ages. Our new O'
El Dorado, KS Pumpkin PatchesWilliam 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