Introduction to Barber County, Kansas
Barber County is located in southern Kansas, on the border with Oklahoma. The county was established in 1867 and named after Thomas Barber, an abolitionist who was killed in the Wakarusa War. The county has a rich history, shaped by its roots in agriculture, cattle ranching, and the development of the railroad. The county is also home to the scenic Gypsum Hills (or Red Hills), known for their unique red rock formations, which attract visitors for hiking and sightseeing.
Barber County’s climate is characterized by hot summers and mild to cold winters, with low to moderate rainfall. With a population of approximately 4,300 people, it is a predominantly rural county, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. The county’s economy is driven by agriculture, cattle ranching, and oil production.
- County Seat: Medicine Lodge
- Number of Cities and Towns: 5
- Major School Districts: USD 254 Barber County North, USD 255 South Barber
Medicine Lodge
City Overview
Medicine Lodge is the county seat of Barber County and is located in the northern part of the county, along the Medicine Lodge River. The city was established in 1873 and holds historical significance due to the Medicine Lodge Treaty, signed in 1867 between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes. The treaty aimed to bring peace to the region during the Indian Wars. Medicine Lodge is also known for the Carry Nation Home, which honors the famous temperance activist who lived in the town.
Medicine Lodge experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Gypsum Hills, offering residents and visitors scenic views and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting. The Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Pageant, held every three years, is one of the city’s major cultural events, reenacting the signing of the treaty and celebrating local history.
City Facts
- Population: 1,781 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 960 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 67104
- Road Network: U.S. Route 160, U.S. Route 281
- Nearest Airports: Medicine Lodge Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Libraries: Medicine Lodge Memorial Library
- Hospitals: Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital
Major Schools
Medicine Lodge is served by USD 254 Barber County North. Medicine Lodge Jr/Sr High School serves students in grades 7-12, with around 200 students enrolled. The school offers a range of academic courses and extracurricular activities, including athletics, band, and FFA (Future Farmers of America). Medicine Lodge Grade School caters to students in grades K-6, with approximately 250 students, focusing on strong foundational learning and community engagement. The district is known for its small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Kiowa
City Overview
Kiowa is located in southern Barber County, near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Established in 1872, the town originally served as a trading post and cattle shipping point along the Chisholm Trail. Kiowa has a rich western heritage, with strong ties to agriculture and ranching. Over the years, the town has developed a reputation for being a quiet rural community with a deep connection to its history.
Kiowa has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool winters. The town is known for its charming downtown area, where historic buildings give a glimpse of the town’s past. Major landmarks include the Kiowa Historical Museum, which documents the city’s history as a cattle town, and Centennial Park, where locals enjoy recreational activities.
City Facts
- Population: 908 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 720 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 67070
- Road Network: U.S. Route 281, Kansas Highway 2
- Nearest Airports: Kiowa Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Libraries: Kiowa Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Medicine Lodge (Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Kiowa is served by USD 255 South Barber. South Barber High School serves students in grades 7-12 and has around 120 students enrolled. The high school offers a variety of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities such as football, basketball, and drama. South Barber Elementary School serves students in grades K-6, with approximately 150 students. The district places a strong emphasis on community involvement and offers small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and academic growth.
Sharon
City Overview
Sharon is a small town in Barber County, located to the northeast of Medicine Lodge. Established in the 1880s, Sharon is a rural community with a deep connection to farming and ranching. The town is most famous for being the birthplace of country music legend Martina McBride, who grew up in the area.
Sharon experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Although it is a small town, Sharon enjoys a quiet, close-knit atmosphere where residents participate in various local activities and events. The town’s proximity to the Gypsum Hills allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and bird watching, while the town’s rural surroundings offer scenic views of Kansas’s rolling plains.
City Facts
- Population: 154 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 67138
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 42
- Nearest Airports: Medicine Lodge Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Medicine Lodge)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Medicine Lodge (Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Sharon is part of USD 254 Barber County North, and students typically attend schools in nearby Medicine Lodge. Medicine Lodge Jr/Sr High School serves students in grades 7-12, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. Medicine Lodge Grade School serves students in grades K-6, providing a strong educational foundation in a small-class environment. The schools emphasize community engagement and foster a supportive learning atmosphere for students from Sharon and surrounding areas.
Hardtner
City Overview
Hardtner is a small town in the southernmost part of Barber County, right along the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Founded in 1887, the town was named after John Hardtner, a local cattleman. Hardtner was once a bustling community during the cattle-driving era, serving as a stop along the railroad. Today, it is a quiet town with a small population but a rich historical background.
Hardtner has a humid subtropical climate, similar to other towns in the region, with hot summers and cold winters. The town is known for its peaceful, rural lifestyle, with open fields and pastures surrounding the area. Major landmarks include the Hardtner Depot, which once served as a vital transportation hub during the town’s cattle-driven heyday.
City Facts
- Population: 167 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 450 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 67057
- Road Network: U.S. Route 281
- Nearest Airports: Kiowa Municipal Airport, Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Kiowa)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Medicine Lodge (Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Hardtner is part of USD 255 South Barber, and students attend schools in nearby Kiowa. South Barber High School, located in Kiowa, serves students in grades 7-12 and offers a range of academic courses and extracurricular activities. South Barber Elementary School, also in Kiowa, serves students in grades K-6. The district provides a well-rounded education, with small class sizes that enable personalized attention and strong academic support for students from Hardtner and surrounding areas.
Sun City
City Overview
Sun City is a small, unincorporated community in Barber County, located along the Medicine Lodge River, southwest of Medicine Lodge. Established in the 1880s, Sun City was originally a ranching and farming community. The town remains rural, with agriculture still playing a central role in the local economy.
Sun City experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Despite its small size, the town offers beautiful landscapes, with its proximity to the Gypsum Hills providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. Sun City’s peaceful setting makes it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.
City Facts
- Population: 53 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Very low
- ZIP Code: 67143
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 160
- Nearest Airports: Medicine Lodge Municipal Airport
- Libraries: No public library (nearest in Medicine Lodge)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Medicine Lodge (Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Sun City is part of USD 254 Barber County North, and students typically attend schools in Medicine Lodge. Medicine Lodge Jr/Sr High School and Medicine Lodge Grade School serve students from the Sun City area. The district offers a small-town educational experience with an emphasis on community engagement, strong academic foundations, and extracurricular activities like athletics and arts.