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Atchison, KS

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Atchison, KS

Atchison is a city and county seat of Atchison County, Kansas, United States, along the Missouri River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 10,885. The city is named in honor of US Senator David Rice Atchison from Missouri and was the original eastern terminus of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Atchison is also the home of Benedictine College.

The city is along the western bank of the Missouri River which also marks the Kansas-Missouri state line. Located at the junction of U.S. Route 59 and U.S. Route 73, it is 21 miles (34 km) southwest of St. Joseph, Missouri, along US-59 and 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Leavenworth Kansas, along US-73. The section of US-73 between Atchison and Leavenworth is part of the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway which follows K-7 northward from Atchison.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.29 square miles (21.47 km²), of which, 7.83 square miles (20.28 km²) is land and 0.46 square miles (1.19 km²) is water.

Atchison was founded in 1854 and named in honor of Missouri senator David Rice Atchison, who, when Kansas was opened for settlement, interested some of his friends in the scheme of forming a city in the new territory. Senator Atchison was interested in ensuring that the population of the new Kansas Territory would be majority pro-slavery, as he had been a prominent promoter of both slavery and the idea of popular sovereignty over the issue in the new lands. However, not everyone agreed upon the location he had selected, and on July 20, 1854, Dr. John H. Stringfellow, Ira Norris, Leonidas Oldham, James B. Martin, and Neal Owens left Platte City, Missouri, to decide definitely upon a site. 

They found a site that was the natural outlet of a remarkably rich agricultural region just open to settlement. George M. Million and Samuel Dickson had staked claims near the river; Dr. Stringfellow staked a tract north of Million's. Million sold his claim for $1,000—an exorbitant price. Eighteen persons were present when the town company was formally organized by electing Peter T. Abell, president; James Burns, treasurer; and Dr. Stringfellow, secretary. The site was divided into 100 shares by the company, of which each member retained five shares, the remainder being reserved for the common benefit of all. 

By September 20, 1854, Henry Kuhn had surveyed the 480 acres (1.9 km²) and made a plat, and the next day was fixed for the sale of lots, an event of great importance as it had become understood that Senator Atchison would make a speech upon the political question of the day, hence the sale would be of political as well as business significance. At his meeting on the 21st, two public institutions of vital interest to a new community were planned for—a hotel and a newspaper. Each share of stock in the town company was assessed $25, the proceeds to be used to build the National Hotel, which was completed in the spring of 1855, and $400 was donated to Dr. Stringfellow and Robert S. Kelley to erect a printing office.

The Squatter Sovereign, a paper with strong pro-slavery sentiments, was first issued on February 3, 1855. It had formerly been published in Liberty, Missouri, under the name of the Democratic Platform. In the spring of 1857, it was purchased by Samuel C. Pomeroy, Robert McBratney, and F.G. Adams, who changed its policy and published it as a free-state paper until the fall of the same year, when Pomeroy became the sole owner.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Atchison. The Atchison Community Health Clinic is a cornerstone of healthcare in the city, providing essential medical services to residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Atchison Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Snap Fitness, Rise Up Fitness, and YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Atchison, such as the Atchinson Riverfront Trail and Jackson Park Nature Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature. 

The top sites in Atchison, KS are the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Santa Fe Depot Museum, and Atchison Rail Museum.

Population: 10,730 (2022). ZIP Code: 66002. Area code: 913. Elevation: 869 ft (265 m). Area: 8.47 sq mi (21.93 km²).

FAQs

What is Atchison, KS known for?

Atchison is unique in Kansas for the historic charm of its riverside setting, boutique shops, quaint restaurants, cafes, historic homes, and stately buildings. Atchison’s riverside setting, shops, historic homes, and stately buildings make it the ideal getaway for a day trip or weekend escape. Incorporated in 1858, Atchison is known for its vistas of the Missouri River bend and tree-lined brick streets.

Is Atchison, KS a good place to live?

Atchison is in Atchison County. Living in Atchison offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Atchison and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the poverty rate in Atchison, KS?

In 2022, the median household income of Atchison households was $50,344. Atchison households made slightly more than Alta Vista households ($50,313) and Alma households ($50,313). However, 13.7% of Atchison families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Atchison

Atchison Community Health Clinic

Atchison Parks and Recreation Department 

Snap Fitness

Rise Up Fitness 

YMCA

Atchinson Riverfront Trail 

Jackson Park Nature Trail

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

Santa Fe Depot Museum

Atchison Rail Museum

Niche

Kansas Demographics

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