Introduction to Allen County, Kansas
Allen County is located in southeastern Kansas and is bordered by Anderson County to the north, Woodson County to the west, Bourbon County to the east, and Neosho County to the south. The county was established in 1855 and named after William Allen, a U.S. senator from Ohio. Historically, the area was home to Native American tribes, and as settlers moved in, the county became a hub for agriculture, coal mining, and later, industry. Today, Allen County retains its agricultural roots while also supporting small businesses and local industries.
The weather in Allen County is typical of the Midwest, with hot summers and cold winters, along with moderate rainfall throughout the year. With a population of approximately 12,526 people, the county is known for its small towns, close-knit communities, and rich historical heritage.
- County Seat: Iola
- Number of Cities and Towns: 8
- Major School Districts: Iola USD 257, Humboldt USD 258, Marmaton Valley USD 256
Iola
City Overview
Iola is the county seat of Allen County and is located near the Neosho River, in the heart of southeastern Kansas. The town was founded in 1859 and named after Iola Colborn, the wife of one of the town’s founders. Iola grew rapidly in the early 20th century due to the discovery of natural gas, which attracted industries and led to significant economic growth. Today, Iola maintains its historical charm while serving as the economic and cultural center of Allen County.
Iola experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Major landmarks include the Allen County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Riverside Park, which offers outdoor recreational activities along the Neosho River. The town is also home to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, a venue for performing arts and cultural events.
City Facts
- Population: 5,396 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,050 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66749
- Road Network: U.S. Route 54, U.S. Route 169
- Nearest Airports: Iola Municipal Airport, Joplin Regional Airport (MO)
- Libraries: Iola Public Library
- Hospitals: Allen County Regional Hospital
Major Schools
Iola is served by Iola USD 257, which provides K-12 education to students in the area. Iola High School (grades 9-12) serves approximately 400 students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Iola Middle School (grades 5-8) has around 300 students, while Jefferson Elementary School (grades K-4) serves roughly 450 students. The district emphasizes STEM education and offers a range of athletics, arts, and vocational programs for students across all grade levels.
Humboldt
City Overview
Humboldt is located in southern Allen County, near the Neosho River and U.S. Route 169, making it easily accessible from neighboring counties. Established in 1857, Humboldt is one of the oldest towns in the region and was named after the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. The town has a rich Civil War history and played a significant role in early Kansas settlement.
Humboldt enjoys a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. It is known for its well-preserved downtown area, which features historic buildings, and the Humboldt Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s early history. Humboldt is also home to Walter Johnson Park, a local landmark offering recreational amenities, and the city holds the annual Biblesta Parade, celebrating the Bible and community.
City Facts
- Population: 1,824 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,200 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66748
- Road Network: U.S. Route 169, Kansas Highway 224
- Nearest Airports: Chanute Martin Johnson Airport, Joplin Regional Airport (MO)
- Libraries: Humboldt Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Iola (Allen County Regional Hospital)
Major Schools
Humboldt is part of Humboldt USD 258, which provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Humboldt High School (grades 9-12) has around 220 students and offers various programs, including agriculture education and athletics. Humboldt Middle School (grades 5-8) serves about 180 students, and Humboldt Elementary School (grades K-4) has around 250 students. The schools emphasize community involvement, providing students with both academic and extracurricular opportunities, including robotics and band programs.
Moran
City Overview
Moran is a small town in eastern Allen County, situated along U.S. Route 54 and Kansas Highway 59. Founded in the 1880s, Moran was originally a stop on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which contributed to its early growth. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, and agriculture continues to be a significant part of the local economy.
Moran experiences a humid continental climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The town is home to several historical buildings, including the Moran Cemetery, where early settlers are buried. Moran is also known for its small-town charm and community events, such as the annual Moran Day celebration.
City Facts
- Population: 485 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 460 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66755
- Road Network: U.S. Route 54, Kansas Highway 59
- Nearest Airports: Iola Municipal Airport, Fort Scott Municipal Airport
- Libraries: Moran Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Iola (Allen County Regional Hospital)
Major Schools
Moran is served by Marmaton Valley USD 256, which offers K-12 education. Marmaton Valley High School (grades 7-12) serves approximately 130 students, while Marmaton Valley Elementary School (grades K-6) has around 150 students. The schools offer a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction. Extracurricular activities include basketball, track, and Future Farmers of America (FFA), with a strong emphasis on agricultural education.
La Harpe
City Overview
La Harpe is located in the northeastern part of Allen County, just a few miles east of Iola along U.S. Route 54. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after the French explorer Bernard de La Harpe. Like many towns in the region, La Harpe was initially supported by agriculture and the railroad industry.
La Harpe experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild to cold winters. While the town has a small population, it is known for its strong sense of community. La Harpe hosts several community events throughout the year, including local farmers’ markets and festivals. The town is also home to La Harpe City Park, which offers a playground and sports facilities for residents.
City Facts
- Population: 521 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 66751
- Road Network: U.S. Route 54
- Nearest Airports: Iola Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Libraries: No dedicated public library (nearest in Iola)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Iola (Allen County Regional Hospital)
Major Schools
La Harpe is part of Iola USD 257, and students attend schools in nearby Iola. La Harpe students typically attend Iola High School, Iola Middle School, and Jefferson Elementary School. These schools offer a variety of programs, including sports, music, and arts. With a student population shared between the towns, the schools in this district maintain a strong sense of community involvement, ensuring that students have access to quality education and extracurricular activities.
Mildred
City Overview
Mildred is a small unincorporated community in southeastern Allen County, located along U.S. Route 59. Founded in 1907 as a cement company town, Mildred once thrived during the cement industry boom. However, after the cement plant closed in the mid-20th century, the town’s population significantly declined. Today, Mildred is a quiet rural area with a small population but rich historical significance.
Mildred experiences a humid continental climate, similar to other towns in the region, with warm summers and cold winters. Although it is a small community, Mildred has a unique history tied to Kansas’s industrial past. The town is also known for the remnants of its cement plant and its quiet, pastoral surroundings.
City Facts
- Population: 23 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Very low
- ZIP Code: 66755
- Road Network: U.S. Route 59
- Nearest Airports: Iola Municipal Airport
- Libraries: No public library (nearest in Moran or Iola)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Iola (Allen County Regional Hospital)
Major Schools
Students from Mildred attend schools in nearby Moran, which is part of Marmaton Valley USD 256. Marmaton Valley High School and Marmaton Valley Elementary School serve the educational needs of Mildred residents. These schools offer small class sizes and personalized instruction, with students participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, drama, and agricultural programs like FFA.