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McPherson, KS

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McPherson, KS

McPherson is a city in and the county seat of McPherson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 14,082. The city is named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a Civil War general. It is home to McPherson College and Central Christian College.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.23 square miles (18.73 km²), of which 7.18 square miles (18.60 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) is water.

The community is located on U.S. Route 56, just west of Interstate 135. McPherson is part of the Little Arkansas River Watershed that ultimately empties into the Arkansas River in Wichita. Dry Turkey Creek is a wet weather stream that comprises several enhanced lakes within the city limits. It feeds the Lakeside Park Lagoon before crossing under East Euclid Street and Kansas Avenue, where it then forms Wall Park Lake.

South and west of town are four units of the reclaimed McPherson Valley Wetlands, acquired and managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Before 1880, these natural wetlands was an important waterfowl and wildlife habitat second only to Cheyenne Bottoms in importance to migratory bird populations. These wetlands continue to see improvement and development.

For millennia, the land now known as Kansas was inhabited by Native Americans. In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1867, McPherson County was founded.

McPherson was founded in 1870 by the twelve members of the McPherson Town Company. In 1887, city officials began a failed attempt to have the community named the state capital. The first post office in McPherson was established in 1873. McPherson was incorporated as a city in 1874.

As early as 1875, city leaders of Marion held a meeting to consider a branch railroad from Florence. In 1878, Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company. In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence to McPherson. In 1880 it was extended to Lyons and in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. The line from Florence to Marion was abandoned in 1968. In 1992, the line from Marion to McPherson was sold to Central Kansas Railway. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence, Marion, Canada, Hillsboro, Lehigh, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Conway, Windom, Little River, Mitchell, Lyons, Chase, and Ellinwood.

The city places a high emphasis on health and wellness, with the renowned GraceMed serving as a cornerstone of healthcare services. The hospital provides comprehensive medical care to residents, contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the McPherson 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 Mac-Town CrossFit, Beyond Strength, and McPherson Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around McPherson, such as the Lakeside Park Loop and Oak Grove Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in McPherson, KS are McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation, Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm, and McPherson Opera House.

Population: 14,068 (2024). ZIP code: 67460. Area code: 620. Elevation: 1,493 ft (455 m). Area: 7.48 sq mi (19.38 km²).

FAQs

What is McPherson, KS famous for?

McPherson has developed into one of the most industrialized small communities in the nation. Centered in one of the largest wheat-producing areas of the United States, McPherson is also ranked among the top agricultural centers of Kansas. Much of McPherson's early history is preserved for public viewing at the McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation at 1111 E. Kansas.

What is the crime rate in McPherson, KS?

The crime rate in McPherson is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 20 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in McPherson is 1 in 49. Based on FBI crime data, McPherson is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Kansas, McPherson has a crime rate that is higher than 81% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

How much does it cost to live in McPherson, KS?

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in McPherson is $35,564 a year — greater than the annual cost of living for Kansas of $34,206 yet less than the national figure of $38,433. Sep 17, 2020. Housing is one of the largest components of the cost of living. In McPherson, the median home value is $140,400, less than the national median home value of $204,900.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of McPherson

McPherson Parks and Recreation Department 

Mac-Town CrossFit

Beyond Strength 

McPherson Gym

Lakeside Park Loop 

Oak Grove Loop

McPherson Museum and Arts Foundation

Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm

McPherson Opera House

Neighborhood Scout

24/7 Wall Street

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