Graham County Kansas Economic Development
 
  Graham County Kansas
 
  Founded in 1880, Graham County was named after Captain John L. Graham, 8th Kansas Regiment, who was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga. The county seat is Hill City, also established in 1880. Other past (*) and present towns in the county include Bogue, *Gettysburg, *Millbrook, Morland, Nicodemus, Penokee, *Roscoe, St. Peter, *Smithfield, *Springfield, Studley, *Togo & *Fagan.  

Graham County is located on the eastern edge of the High Plains. Its total area is about 899 square miles or 575,079 acres. The land is described as rolling plains, with an elevation range from 1,900 feet on the eastern edge of the county to 2,600 feet in the northwest corner. It is located 108 miles southwest of the geographic center of the continental United States [near Lebanon, Kansas]. 

Click for Hill City, Kansas Forecast
Click for Hill City, Kansas Forecast
With a typically continental climate, the average growing season is 180 days and the average rainfall is 22.66 inches. Of this, 77% usually falls in April through September. Summer temperatures average 76.2 degrees and winter temperatures average 30.3 degrees. Low humidity is a plus, while typical Kansas winds remind residents of their location on the high plains. The sun shines an average of 263 days yearly. 
Graham County’s main industry is agriculture. Crops include hard red winter wheat, milo or maize, soybeans, and irrigated corn [in the northwest part of the county]. Dry land no-till corn is making some headway, as well as sunflowers. Beef cattle are an important element, comprised of individual farmers’ cow-calf herds and finishing facilities supplied by Riverside Feeders of Penokee. 
The oil industry has been an important part of Graham County history, but it is now a declining part of the economy. Millions of barrels of crude oil have been extracted from the county, but though they are still in production, new development is limited. Much of the economic infrastructure is designed to service people or businesses who are either actively involved in or retired from these industries. 
Graham County’s best asset is its people. A diversified group of individuals have settled the community, bringing with them elements of German, French, Afro-American and other cultures, although no single culture predominates. Visitors often comment on the openness and friendliness of the Graham County communities.

  Special Places to Visit 

Graham County Historical Society & Museum has offices on the ground floor of the library building and meets the 2nd Monday of each month. The museum displays a large collection of photographs and printed materials about the county, as well as products and personal memorabilia of county residents. 

The Graham County Oil Museum, West Highway 24, documents the oil industry in western Kansas. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the museum also features the works of several past and present Graham County craftsmen. 

Antelope Lake near Morland was built in the 1930’s as a Works Progress Administration project and now offers fine fishing and picnicing facilities. 

A relief sculpture on the front of the Citizens State Bank, Morland, is the work of Jack Curran, Bella Vista, Arkansas. It depicts prehistoric fauna featured in the National Geographic article about the Minium Fossil Site. 

Nicodemus, an exoduster settlement on Highway 24, remains as one of the few all-black communities founded in the years following the Civil War. Settled in 1877, Nicodemus has been the subject of numerous articles, books, and television projects and is a designated National Historic Site. Informative signs explain history of town.  

Cottonwood Ranch, just across the Sheridan County line near Studley, is a part of the Kansas State Park System and depicts a working sheep ranch of the 1800’s. Blast from the Past, an annual festival, is held there the third Saturday of August. 

Rustic Rose Antiques & Crafts - House full of antiques, glassware, pottery, linens, primitives, jewelry, dolls, furniture & more - 4 blocks north of stoplight in Hill City 


  Special Events 

Hill City hosts the Graham County Fair and Rodeo the last weekend in July. Fairgrounds are located on Highway 283 at the southern edge of town. Special merchant promotions, a parade, and an outstanding musical performance introduce the Jayhawker Roundup, the popular three-day PRCA rodeo. 

The Nicodemus Homecoming, also held the last weekend in July, celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation and draws visitors from throughout the nation for two days of entertainment, including a parade, a basketball tournament & other games, ethnic foods, a beauty pageant, and a dance. 

The Epsilon Sigma Alpha Arts & Crafts Fair, held at the Graham County Fairgrounds the third Saturday in November, features the works of area artists and craftspersons. 

The Sparkler Jamboree on July 4th celebrates the holiday in the Hill City Park with music, food, games, arts & crafts, and an opportunity to relax and visit with friends and neighbors.


  Services 

Graham County Economic Development, 521 West Main, Hill City. County information and economic development services. Contact Janette Bump. [785] 421-2211 

Graham County Emergency Services, 722 W. Main, Hill City. Rural fire department, rescue unit and ambulance service. Contact Jim Pommerehn. [785] 421-3455 

Graham County Sheriff's Department, 410 North Pomeroy, Hill City. Administrative Phone [785] 421-2107  Emergency 911 Contact Sheriff Don E. Scott 

Graham County Public Library is located at 414 N. West Street, Hill City. It offers complete library services including Kansas Job Net and internet stations, programs for children, art displays, and Bookmobile service. Contact Bob Hooper. [785] 421-2722 

Hill City Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 155, Hill City. Business information and promotions.  [785] 421-5814 

Hill City Housing Authority, 905 N. 3rd Avenue, Hill City. HUD housing information. Contact Teresa Sherman. [785] 421-2348 

Hill City Municipal Airport is located on the Northeast edge of town. The 5,000 foot lighted concrete runway. Contact Reid Bell; 24-hour emergency dispatch service. [785] 421-5613 

Hill City Times newspaper, 110 N. Pomeroy, Hill City. Weekly newspaper, published Thursdays. Contact Bob Boyd or Jim Logback. [785] 421-5700 

Pioneer Country Development, 317 N. Pomeroy, Hill City. Business development and financial assistance. Housing information. Contact Randy Hrabe. [785] 421-3488


  Lodging 

The Western Hills Motel, located on West Highway 24, has 26 units and adjoining dining facilities. [785] 421-2141. 

The Pomeroy Inn, a native limestone bed-and-breakfast located at 224 West Main in Hill City, has 8 rooms and features Mary’s famous homebaked cinnamon rolls. [785] 421-2098 

Pheasant Run bed-and-breakfast, 609 N. 4th Avenue, Hill City, has 5 rooms in a newly restored 1890-era house and serves a full breakfast. [785] 421-2955 

The Paul House bed-and-breakfast, 208 W. Main, Morland, offers 4 rooms and a full breakfast in a 1916 house near Cottonwood Ranch, Antelope Lake, and the Minium Fossil Dig site. [785] 627-3875 


  Restaurants 

The Bison Club Dining Room, East Highway 24, Hill City. Steaks & seafood on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Private room available to groups by appointment. [785] 421-8124 

Southern Touch Cafe, 308 Main, Bogue. Open daily 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday evenings after 5:00 p.m. with weekly specials. [785] 421-3361 

Pizza Hut, West Highway 24, Hill City. Full line of pizzas; Monday evening buffet. [785] 421-3691 

Troop's Nowhere Bar & Grill, 415 West Main, Hill City. Family restaurant with lunch specials, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and bar. Video games & pool. [785] 421-2609 

The Shack, 601 West Main, Hill City. Daily lunch and evening specials; short orders and dinners. Private room available for groups by appointment. [785] 421-2797

Buffalo Hunter Cafe, 514 West Main, Hill City. Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner. Private room available for groups by appointment. [785] 421-2001


 

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© 1997 Graham County Economic Development, Inc.
521 West Main 
Hill City, Kansas 67642
(785) 421 - 2211
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