Introduction to Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County is located in southeastern Kansas, bordered by Linn County to the north, Crawford County to the west, Neosho County to the southwest, and the state of Missouri to the east. Established in 1855, Bourbon County was named after Bourbon County, Kentucky, and played a significant role during the Bleeding Kansas era, a period of violent confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. The county’s history is rich with Civil War battles and early settlement stories.
Bourbon County is part of the humid subtropical climate zone, with hot summers and cold winters, alongside moderate rainfall throughout the year. The county has a population of approximately 14,360 residents and is known for its historical sites, small-town charm, and agricultural economy.
- County Seat: Fort Scott
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: USD 234 Fort Scott, USD 235 Uniontown
Fort Scott
City Overview
Fort Scott is the county seat of Bourbon County and is located in the eastern part of the county near the Missouri border. Established in 1842 as a military fort to protect settlers traveling along the Western trails, Fort Scott became a significant location during the Civil War and the Indian Wars. The city later developed into a thriving agricultural and manufacturing hub.
Fort Scott experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Major landmarks in the city include the Fort Scott National Historic Site, which preserves the original military fort, and the Gordon Parks Museum, dedicated to the life and work of photographer and filmmaker Gordon Parks, a Fort Scott native. The downtown area is known for its historical buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City Facts
- Population: 7,552 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 600 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66701
- Road Network: U.S. Route 69, U.S. Route 54
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Fort Scott Public Library
- Hospitals: Ascension Via Christi Hospital
Major Schools
Fort Scott is served by USD 234, which provides education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Fort Scott High School serves approximately 500 students in grades 9-12, offering a range of academic programs, including advanced placement courses and vocational training. Fort Scott Middle School serves grades 6-8, with about 450 students, while Winfield Scott Elementary and Eugene Ware Elementary serve K-5 students, with a combined enrollment of around 700 students. The district offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and debate.
Uniontown
City Overview
Uniontown is a small city in western Bourbon County, located along Kansas Highway 3. The town was founded in the 1850s and was originally a key location for Union Army soldiers during the Civil War, hence the name “Uniontown.” The town retains its rural, agricultural heritage and serves as a small but vibrant community for residents.
Uniontown experiences a similar climate to the rest of Bourbon County, with warm summers and cold winters. While it is a small community, Uniontown is known for its strong community ties and local events such as the annual Old Settler’s Picnic. Landmarks in Uniontown include the Marmaton River, which offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
City Facts
- Population: 272 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66779
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 3, U.S. Route 54
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Joplin Regional Airport
- Libraries: Uniontown Branch Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Fort Scott (Ascension Via Christi Hospital)
Major Schools
Uniontown is part of USD 235, which serves students in the western part of Bourbon County. Uniontown High School (grades 9-12) serves about 120 students and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including agriculture and FFA (Future Farmers of America). Uniontown Junior High (grades 6-8) and West Bourbon Elementary School (grades K-5) serve around 300 students combined. The district is known for its close-knit learning environment, small class sizes, and strong community support.
Bronson
City Overview
Bronson is a small town in central Bourbon County, located along U.S. Route 54, about 20 miles west of Fort Scott. Established in the late 19th century, Bronson developed as an agricultural community, primarily focusing on farming and livestock production. Today, it remains a quiet rural town with deep ties to the land and its historical roots.
Bronson enjoys a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Although it is a small town, Bronson hosts several community events throughout the year and is known for its peaceful rural landscape. Nearby natural attractions include the Bourbon State Fishing Lake, where residents enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking.
City Facts
- Population: 306 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66716
- Road Network: U.S. Route 54
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Bronson Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Fort Scott (Ascension Via Christi Hospital)
Major Schools
Bronson is also served by USD 235 Uniontown, and students from the town attend schools in nearby Uniontown. Uniontown High School serves grades 9-12, while Uniontown Junior High and West Bourbon Elementary School serve grades K-8. The district is known for its commitment to providing quality education in a rural setting, with a focus on community involvement, vocational education, and extracurricular activities like athletics, 4-H, and music programs.
Redfield
City Overview
Redfield is a small rural community located in eastern Bourbon County, along U.S. Route 54, just a few miles west of Fort Scott. The town was established in the 1880s as a farming community and has maintained its agricultural roots. Redfield is a quiet, peaceful town that offers a rural lifestyle with close proximity to larger towns like Fort Scott.
Redfield shares Bourbon County’s humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The town is surrounded by agricultural fields and open land, providing a scenic and pastoral atmosphere. While small, Redfield is home to several community events, and residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing in the nearby Bourbon State Fishing Lake.
City Facts
- Population: 130 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 450 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66769
- Road Network: U.S. Route 54
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Fort Scott)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Fort Scott (Ascension Via Christi Hospital)
Major Schools
Redfield is part of USD 234 Fort Scott, and students attend schools in Fort Scott. Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott Middle School, and the district’s two elementary schools provide educational services to students from Redfield. The schools offer a broad range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services for students from rural communities like Redfield, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Fulton
City Overview
Fulton is a small town in northern Bourbon County, close to the border with Linn County. It was established in the late 19th century and named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Historically, the town played a role in the region’s agricultural and railroad development, though it has remained a small, rural community.
Fulton has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The town is known for its peaceful rural atmosphere and its location near the Little Osage River, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and boating. The town’s historical roots are still evident in some of its older buildings and community traditions.
City Facts
- Population: 163 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 400 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66738
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 31
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Fort Scott)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Fort Scott (Ascension Via Christi Hospital)
Major Schools
Fulton is part of USD 234 Fort Scott, and students from the town attend schools in Fort Scott. Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott Middle School, and the district’s elementary schools provide educational services to Fulton residents. The district offers a variety of programs, including advanced placement courses, athletics, and fine arts, catering to both rural and urban students within Bourbon County.
Mapleton
City Overview
Mapleton is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Bourbon County, near the border with Linn County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Mapleton began as a farming settlement and remains predominantly agricultural to this day. The town’s name reflects its location near a grove of maple trees, a rarity on the Kansas plains.
Mapleton shares the same humid continental climate as the rest of Bourbon County, with hot summers and cold winters. The town is quiet and rural, offering residents a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by open farmland. Major landmarks include the nearby Marmaton River, which provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.
City Facts
- Population: 84 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 100 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66754
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 31
- Nearest Airports: Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Fort Scott)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Fort Scott (Ascension Via Christi Hospital)
Major Schools
Mapleton is served by USD 235 Uniontown, and students attend schools in Uniontown. Uniontown High School serves students in grades 9-12, while Uniontown Junior High and West Bourbon Elementary School serve K-8 students. The district emphasizes a community-centered approach to education, with small class sizes and strong ties to the agricultural community.