We are traveling US 281 on this ribbon of a highway to Kansas. Top to bottom all the way on 281. From Lebanon, population 364 down to Hardtner, Kansas population 183. Across the great plains to the Oklahoma line from the Nebraska border. All populations in this blog are approximates. I have included websites that will be helpful for more information.
Maybe we should start this road trip singing the song: "Home on the Range." The official state song of Kansas. A good song and the open road ahead of us. Giddy'Up.
Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the sky is not clouded all day.
Smith Center, Kansas, 1,663. The homestead cabin of Brewster Higley, whom wrote the lyrics of the well-known song (1873) and the Kansas state anthem "Home on the Range," is northwest; the home of Daniel Kelley, who composed the music to the song, has also been preserved in nearby Harlan, Kansas.
Wikipedia® says; According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Smith Center was considered the geographic center of the United States until the admission of Alaska and Hawaii into the union. Following the admission of those states, the geographic center fell near Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
The traditional geographic centre of the contiguous United States (39°50′ N, 98°35′ W), marked by a stone pylon, is 11 miles east-northeast of Smith Center. Inc. 1886. (Encypedia Britannica)
Smith County Kansas Information: Smith Center Kansas area information:
Russell, 4280. Which is the county seat of Russell County, was incorporated in 1872. The City has excellent transportation facilities provided by, Highways 40, US 281 and Interstate 70.
Russell Area Chamber of Commerce: The City of Russell Website:
The Deines Cultural Center, located in Russell, Kansas is a non-profit educational resource that enriches local cultural life by providing artistic exhibits and activities, musical events and concerts, educational and historic programs. Free admission and accessibility to those with disabilities, makes it easy to welcome the entire community. Deines Cultural Center Website:
Hoisington, 2,975, Kansas, the "Gateway to Cheyenne Bottoms", combines a rich history as a railroad town, oil town, and farming community with today's mix of agricultural production and manufacturing. Hoisington is also home twice a year to the endangered Whooping Cranes as they migrate.
Hoisington, Kansas Information:
Great Bend, 15,557. The city was named for its location at the historic big bend of the Arkansas River. A great place for a layover for travelers. Positioned along US Hwy 281, stretching across the Great Plains from Mexico to Canada, (Americas Main Street). Great Bend offers tourists a variety of things to see and do, with many food and lodging choices for the region. Great Bend is located next to two of the world's most important wetlands; Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.
Great Bend, Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Great Bend, Kansas Travel Net: Great Bend, Kansas Chamber of Commerce:
I do a lot of satellite traveling and would like to point out that the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau website is one of the better designed sites for a community this size. Kudos to them and the designer(s).
Born on the backroads of America in the post World War II years, drag racing began. In 1955, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) staged its first national event, called simply "the Nationals" in Great Bend, Kansas. Six years later, as the Nationals hopscotched around the country to showcase the growing sport.
S.R.C.A. Drag Strip. Located 2 1/2 miles west of Great Bend, Ks on the old Air Force base, the facility offers the finest racing in the area.
The Barton County Kansas Arts Council building is historic, it was the first stone building in Great Bend, built in 1872. The location, at 1401 Main in Great Bend, is centrally located in the heart of downtown — directly across the street from the Barton County Courthouse.
Barton County Kansas Arts Council Website:
Pratt, Kansas 6,406. You gotta love a town with a sense of humor. What began as a practical joke is now one of Pratt's unique features. The hot and cold water towers have appeared in publications nationwide. Deemed the "Gateway to the High Plains". Pratt is known as "a tree city." The largest park in Pratt, Lemon Park, is approximately 117 acres. Pratt, Kansas is where the Miss Kansas Pageant is held each year. Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce:
In June 2009, the Miss Kansas Pageant will open in Pratt for the 54th time. During most of those years, contestants and their families descend on the town for a week and there is an occasional sighting of the titleholder during her year of service. The Miss Kansas competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of Kansas in the Miss America pageant. Kansas has won the Miss America crown on three occasions. Miss Kansas Organization:
Pratt Community College is located in the heart of south central Kansas. Founded in 1938, PCC is a two-year public, comprehensive community college and an area vocational school.
Pratt Community College:
Medicine Lodge, 1,962. Located in south central Kansas on U.S. highways 160 and 281 junctions. Nestled in a valley directly east of the gypsum hills.
In 1867 representatives of the Five Tribes of the Plains—the Kiowa, Cheyenne, Comanche, Arapaho, and Kiowa Apache—met there with U.S. commissioners to negotiate a treaty that opened the area to white settlement and railroads and fixed the southern boundary of Kansas. The town was laid out in 1873 and was incorporated as a city in 1879.
Medicine Lodge Chamber of Commerce:
Barber State Fishing Lake at the north edge of the City of Medicine Lodge on US Hwy 281. Camping, picnicking, and fishing are allowed throughout the area. Barber State Fishing Lake Website:
Hardtner, Kansas, 183. U.S.-281 runs through town. To the south is Oklahoma, Medicine Lodge to the north on US Highway 281. Hardtner was established in 1886. Achenbach Memorial Park; four blocks north of Central on Main Street. Established by town founder Jacob Achenbach, this is not a typical small-town park.
Here is a great feature of road traveling in Kansas. "511". Kansas Department of Transportation:
Getting the most up-to-date travel information in Kansas is as easy as calling 5-1-1. By calling “511” on any phone (wireline and wireless) from anywhere in Kansas you can learn about road conditions, construction detours and travel weather information for the Kansas Turnpike and any Interstate, U.S., or state highway in Kansas and Nebraska.
Safe travels. Ya'll come back.
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