Brown County Overview
Brown County is located in the northeastern part of Kansas, bordering Nebraska to the north. It was established in 1855 and named after Albert Gallatin Brown, a U.S. senator from Mississippi. The county is characterized by its rolling hills and agricultural lands. Brown County is bordered by Doniphan County to the east, Nemaha County to the west, Atchison County to the south, and Richardson County, Nebraska, to the north.
The county’s population is approximately 9,600 residents, and it covers about 572 square miles. Brown County has a mix of small towns and agricultural communities, and its economy is largely based on farming. The county seat is Hiawatha, which also serves as the largest city in the county. Brown County is known for its historic landmarks and natural beauty, with a climate featuring hot summers and cold winters.
- County Seat: Hiawatha
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: USD 415, USD 430, USD 415
Hiawatha
Hiawatha Overview
Hiawatha, the county seat of Brown County, is located in the central part of the county. It lies at the junction of U.S. Highway 36 and U.S. Highway 73, making it a key transportation hub in the region. Founded in 1857, Hiawatha has a rich history tied to the early settlement of Kansas. The town is known for its historic architecture and small-town charm. The Hiawatha Courthouse, a striking stone building, is one of the most notable landmarks in the city.
Hiawatha enjoys a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The city is home to the Brown County Historical Museum and the Davis Memorial, a famous marble monument located in the local cemetery.
- Population: 3,150
- Population Density: 1,048 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66434
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 36, U.S. Highway 73, Kansas Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Hiawatha Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport (approx. 85 miles)
- Libraries: Morrill Public Library
- Hospitals: Hiawatha Community Hospital
Schools in Hiawatha
Hiawatha is part of Unified School District 415. Hiawatha Elementary School (PreK-5) has an enrollment of approximately 400 students, offering a strong foundation in early education. Hiawatha Middle School (grades 6-8) serves around 200 students and provides a range of academic programs. Hiawatha High School (grades 9-12) has about 300 students, with various extracurricular activities, sports teams, and advanced placement courses available. The schools in Hiawatha are known for their dedication to academic excellence and community involvement.
Horton
Horton Overview
Horton is a small city in the southern part of Brown County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 73 and Kansas Highway 20. The city was established in 1886 and developed as a railroad town, which significantly contributed to its early growth. Horton has retained much of its small-town atmosphere while offering modern amenities. The city is surrounded by agricultural lands and is known for its tight-knit community.
Horton experiences a similar climate to the rest of northeastern Kansas, with warm summers and cold winters. The town has several historic buildings, including the Horton Civic Center, and features scenic parks and recreational facilities that attract visitors from the surrounding area.
- Population: 1,700
- Population Density: 906 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66439
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 73, Kansas Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Horton Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Horton Public Library
- Hospitals: Horton Community Hospital
Schools in Horton
Horton is served by Unified School District 430. Horton Elementary School (PreK-5) enrolls around 300 students and focuses on early childhood development and basic academic skills. Horton Middle School (grades 6-8) has approximately 150 students and offers various academic and extracurricular activities to support student development. Horton High School (grades 9-12) serves around 250 students, providing advanced placement classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Horton schools are recognized for their commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and academic achievement.
Sabetha
Sabetha Overview
Sabetha, located in the western part of Brown County, near the Nemaha County border, is a small city with a rich history. Established in the 1850s, Sabetha grew as a key agricultural and trading center. The city is well-known for its scenic beauty, with several parks and green spaces, and has a vibrant community that blends modern living with a historical backdrop.
The weather in Sabetha, like much of northeastern Kansas, is marked by hot summers and cold winters. Sabetha’s downtown area features several historic buildings, and the city is also home to community events and local festivals, which highlight its strong civic pride.
- Population: 2,500
- Population Density: 1,070 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66534
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 75, Kansas Highway 246
- Nearest Airports: Sabetha Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Sabetha Public Library
- Hospitals: Sabetha Community Hospital
Schools in Sabetha
Sabetha is part of Unified School District 113, which serves both Brown and Nemaha counties. Sabetha Elementary School (PreK-5) serves approximately 350 students, providing a range of academic programs focused on building strong foundational skills. Sabetha Middle School (grades 6-8) enrolls around 180 students, offering a mix of academic courses and extracurricular activities. Sabetha High School (grades 9-12) serves about 250 students and is known for its robust athletics program, academic excellence, and extracurricular opportunities, including music, theater, and debate.
Fairview
Fairview Overview
Fairview is a small town located in the central part of Brown County, along U.S. Highway 36. Established in the late 1800s, Fairview has remained a small, close-knit farming community. It offers a quiet, rural lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and community values.
Fairview experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons—hot summers and cold winters. The town is known for its peaceful atmosphere, historic homes, and community events that bring together residents from the surrounding rural areas.
- Population: 250
- Population Density: 350 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66425
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 36, Kansas Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Hiawatha Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Hiawatha (Morrill Public Library)
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Hiawatha (Hiawatha Community Hospital)
Schools in Fairview
Fairview is served by the USD 113 school district. Students from Fairview attend schools in nearby Sabetha. Sabetha Elementary School, Sabetha Middle School, and Sabetha High School serve students from the town. These schools offer a comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts programs, designed to foster academic and personal growth.
Morrill
Morrill Overview
Morrill is a small rural town located in northeastern Brown County, near the Nebraska border. Established in the late 19th century, Morrill was once a bustling agricultural community. Today, it retains its rural charm and quiet lifestyle, with much of its economy still tied to farming.
Morrill has a typical Kansas climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The town has a few historic sites and parks, and its proximity to Nebraska makes it an important part of the region’s agricultural network. Community events and local festivals play a key role in maintaining the town’s close-knit spirit.
- Population: 220
- Population Density: 320 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66515
- Road Network: County roads, Kansas Highway 246
- Nearest Airports: Hiawatha Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Sabetha
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Sabetha (Sabetha Community Hospital)
Schools in Morrill
Morrill is part of Unified School District 113. Students from Morrill attend Sabetha Elementary School, Sabetha Middle School, and Sabetha High School in nearby Sabetha. These schools provide students with a wide range of educational programs, sports, and extracurricular activities. With a focus on academic achievement and community engagement, the schools foster a positive learning environment for students of all ages.
Powhattan
Powhattan Overview
Powhattan is located in the southeastern part of Brown County, near the junction of U.S. Highway 75 and Kansas Highway 20. Founded in the 1880s, Powhattan began as a railroad town and has since developed into a small agricultural community. The town is known for its scenic farmlands and quiet, rural setting.
Powhattan experiences a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The town’s historic buildings and local parks are key features, and it offers a peaceful lifestyle for those who enjoy rural living.
- Population: 75
- Population Density: 150 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 66527
- Road Network: U.S. Highway 75, Kansas Highway 20
- Nearest Airports: Horton Municipal Airport, Kansas City International Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Horton
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Horton (Horton Community Hospital)
Schools in Powhattan
Powhattan is part of Unified School District 430. Students attend Horton Elementary School, Horton Middle School, and Horton High School. These schools provide students with access to a broad academic curriculum and extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and arts programs. The schools emphasize community involvement, helping to prepare students for success both academically and socially.