Atchison County Overview
Atchison County is located in northeastern Kansas, along the Missouri River, and is named after David Rice Atchison, a U.S. Senator. The county was founded in 1855, and it has a rich history tied to westward expansion and the abolitionist movement. Atchison County is bordered by Doniphan County to the north, Jefferson County to the south, Leavenworth County to the east, and Brown County to the west. The county is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, with a climate typical of the central Midwest—hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall.
The county is home to approximately 16,000 residents, with Atchison serving as the county seat and the largest city. Atchison County is known for its historic architecture, agricultural economy, and scenic beauty along the Missouri River.
- County Seat: Atchison
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: USD 409, USD 377
Atchison
Atchison Overview
Atchison is the largest city and the county seat of Atchison County, located along the Missouri River in the eastern part of the county. It is known for its historical significance, as it was founded in 1854 and played a key role in the early development of Kansas. Atchison is also famous as the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviator. The city is bordered by Doniphan County to the north and Leavenworth County to the east, across the Missouri River.
Atchison enjoys a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The city boasts a number of historic landmarks, including the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the Atchison County Historical Museum. Its charming downtown area features Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and several parks, making it a hub for both tourists and locals.
- Population: 10,636
- Population Density: 1,340 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66002
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 73, Kansas Highway 7
- Nearest Airports: Kansas City International Airport (approx. 35 miles), Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport (local)
- Libraries: Atchison Public Library
- Hospitals: Atchison Hospital
Schools in Atchison
Atchison is served by Unified School District 409. Atchison Elementary School (PreK-5) has approximately 750 students, offering a foundational education with a focus on early childhood development. Atchison Middle School (grades 6-8) serves around 500 students, providing a curriculum that supports the transition from elementary to secondary education. Atchison High School (grades 9-12) enrolls about 600 students and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs. The schools are known for their commitment to academic excellence and community involvement.
Effingham
Effingham Overview
Effingham is a small town located in the central part of Atchison County. It is situated near the intersection of U.S. Highway 159 and Kansas Highway 9, making it an important crossroad within the county. Effingham is primarily an agricultural community with a rich history, dating back to the mid-19th century. It was established in 1868 and has maintained its small-town charm throughout the years.
The weather in Effingham is typical for northeastern Kansas, with warm summers and cold winters. The town is surrounded by farmlands and offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. Effingham has a few local landmarks, including historic buildings and community parks that reflect its agricultural roots.
- Population: 546
- Population Density: 700 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66023
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 159, Kansas Highway 9
- Nearest Airports: Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Effingham Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Atchison (Atchison Hospital)
Schools in Effingham
Effingham is part of Unified School District 377, which includes Effingham Elementary School (PreK-5), serving around 200 students, and ACCHS (Atchison County Community High School) (grades 6-12), which has an enrollment of approximately 400 students. The district emphasizes individualized education, agricultural studies, and community engagement. Students benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and student organizations that foster leadership and teamwork.
Lancaster
Lancaster Overview
Lancaster is a small rural town located in the northern part of Atchison County. The town was established in the late 19th century and served as a key point for farming and railroads in the region. Lancaster is located along Kansas Highway 9, providing access to larger cities like Atchison to the east and Hiawatha to the west.
The town enjoys a quiet, rural atmosphere with typical Kansas weather patterns of warm summers and cold winters. Lancaster is known for its close-knit community and agricultural surroundings. While small, the town has a rich heritage, with historical buildings that have been preserved to showcase its early settler history.
- Population: 276
- Population Density: 450 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66041
- Road Network: Kansas Highway 9
- Nearest Airports: Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Lancaster Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Atchison (Atchison Hospital)
Schools in Lancaster
Lancaster is part of the USD 377 school district. Local students typically attend Effingham Elementary School and ACCHS (Atchison County Community High School) in nearby Effingham. Both schools serve Lancaster students, offering strong educational programs with a focus on community values and small class sizes. Extracurricular activities and sports are integral parts of the student experience, encouraging both academic and personal growth.
Huron
Huron Overview
Huron is a very small community located in the northwest corner of Atchison County. Huron’s history is deeply tied to agriculture, and the town has remained largely rural since its founding in the late 19th century. Its proximity to the Nebraska state line and its location along county roads makes it a quiet, rural escape, perfect for those who appreciate a slower pace of life.
Huron experiences a typical Kansas climate with hot summers and cold winters, and it is surrounded by farmland and open spaces. Despite its small size, Huron maintains a strong sense of community through local events and gatherings.
- Population: 73
- Population Density: 120 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66041
- Road Network: County roads
- Nearest Airports: Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Effingham
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Atchison (Atchison Hospital)
Schools in Huron
Huron is part of Unified School District 377, which serves the region through Effingham Elementary School and ACCHS (Atchison County Community High School). Students from Huron typically travel to Effingham for school. Both schools offer a comprehensive curriculum, small class sizes, and access to extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and agricultural programs that enrich students’ educational experiences.
Muscotah
Muscotah Overview
Muscotah is located in the western part of Atchison County, near the Jackson County border. The town was founded in 1857 and is best known as the birthplace of Joe Tinker, a Hall of Fame baseball player from the early 20th century. Muscotah is a small, close-knit community that has retained its rural character over the years.
Muscotah experiences typical northeastern Kansas weather, with warm summers and cold winters. The town is surrounded by farmland and is primarily agricultural, with a rich history dating back to the early days of Kansas statehood.
- Population: 176
- Population Density: 220 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66058
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 159, County roads
- Nearest Airports: Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Effingham
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Atchison (Atchison Hospital)
Schools in Muscotah
Muscotah is part of the USD 377 school district. Students typically attend Effingham Elementary School and ACCHS (Atchison County Community High School) in Effingham. These schools offer well-rounded education for students, with programs designed to support both academic and personal development through small class sizes and strong community support. Sports, clubs, and agricultural education are important parts of the student experience.