Cities and Towns in Barber County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Barber County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Barber County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Medicine Lodge is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Barber County has a population of 4,110 and area of 1,134 square miles (2,937 km²).
List of all cities in Barber County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Corwin, KS | 67061 | 620 |
| Hardtner, KS | 67057 | 620 |
| Hazelton, KS | 67061 | 620 |
| Isabel, KS | 67065 | 620 |
| Kiowa, KS | 67070 | 620 |
| Lake City, KS | 67071 | 620 |
| Medicine Lodge, KS | 67071 | 620 |
| 67104 | 620 | |
| Sharon, KS | 67138 | 620 |
| Sun City, KS | 67143 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Barber County, Kansas
Medicine Lodge
Overview and History
Medicine Lodge is the county seat of Barber County, Kansas, located in the scenic Gypsum Hills region in the south-central part of the state. Founded in 1873, the city was named after the nearby Medicine Lodge River, which Native Americans considered a sacred site for peace treaties and healing ceremonies. Medicine Lodge holds an important place in U.S. history due to the 1867 Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty, where the U.S. government and several Native American tribes negotiated peace. The town grew as a center for ranching and agriculture, with the railroad’s arrival further fueling its development.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.98 square miles
- Population: 1,781 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67104
- Latitude: 37.2828° N
- Longitude: 98.5804° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Medicine Lodge is served by USD 254, with schools like Medicine Lodge High School and Medicine Lodge Grade School providing education to local students. The city is best known for its historical sites, particularly the Medicine Lodge Peace Treaty Site, where reenactments of the treaty negotiations are held every three years. Other landmarks include the Stockade Museum, which preserves the history of the region, and the Carry Nation Home, where the famous temperance movement leader lived. Scenic landmarks like the Gypsum Hills and Barber State Fishing Lake provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, attracting nature lovers and tourists.
Kiowa
Overview and History
Kiowa is a small city in Barber County, Kansas, located near the Kansas-Oklahoma border along U.S. Route 281. Established in 1872, Kiowa was named after the Kiowa Native American tribe. The city developed as a trade center for local farmers and ranchers, thanks in part to its proximity to the Southern Kansas Railway (later known as the Santa Fe Railway). Kiowa was historically a bustling cattle town, with the railroads playing a key role in transporting cattle to markets. The city continues to thrive on its agricultural roots, with wheat and cattle being its primary industries.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.35 square miles
- Population: 902 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67070
- Latitude: 37.0164° N
- Longitude: 98.4914° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kiowa is part of USD 255, with South Barber High School and South Barber Elementary School serving the local student population. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is the Kiowa Historical Museum, which houses artifacts from the town’s cattle boom era and its early settlement days. Another landmark is the Kiowa City Park, a popular location for community gatherings and local events. Kiowa is also known for the Barber County Fair, held annually, which showcases the region’s agricultural heritage through livestock shows, rodeos, and other events.
Sharon
Overview and History
Sharon is a small rural town in Barber County, Kansas, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Medicine Lodge. The town was founded in 1883 and named after Sharon, Pennsylvania, reflecting the hometown of some of its early settlers. Historically, Sharon developed as an agricultural community, with wheat farming and cattle ranching being the main economic activities. Over the years, Sharon has maintained its small-town charm, and it is known as the hometown of country music legend Martina McBride, who grew up in the area and often references it in her music.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 139 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67138
- Latitude: 37.2507° N
- Longitude: 98.4139° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sharon is part of the USD 254 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Medicine Lodge. The town’s most famous landmark is the Martina McBride Home, where the singer spent her early years. Another important site is the Sharon United Methodist Church, which serves as a community gathering spot and reflects the town’s strong religious heritage. Sharon’s small-town atmosphere is complemented by its surrounding farmlands and rolling hills, which provide a peaceful rural setting. The annual Sharon Days festival is a local highlight, celebrating the town’s history and bringing residents together for a day of festivities.
Hardtner
Overview and History
Hardtner is a small town located in the southern part of Barber County, Kansas, near the Oklahoma border. Founded in 1887, the town was named after Dr. John Hardtner, one of the area’s early settlers. The arrival of the railroad spurred Hardtner’s growth, making it a key trading center for local farmers and ranchers. Over the years, the town has remained closely tied to agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle production. Hardtner’s population has fluctuated over time, but it retains its strong agricultural roots and small-town values.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: 149 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67057
- Latitude: 36.9976° N
- Longitude: 98.6517° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hardtner is part of USD 255, with students attending schools in Kiowa. A notable landmark in Hardtner is the Hardtner City Hall, which also functions as a community center and event space. The town’s Veterans Memorial Park honors local military veterans and serves as a gathering place for community events. Hardtner is also located near the Gyp Hills, offering residents and visitors access to scenic drives and hiking trails. The town’s annual Wheat Festival celebrates Hardtner’s agricultural heritage, featuring parades, local vendors, and agricultural exhibits.
Hazelton
Overview and History
Hazelton is a small rural town located in southeastern Barber County, Kansas, near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Founded in 1883, Hazelton was named after Hazelton, Pennsylvania, reflecting the Eastern origins of its early settlers. The town grew around the cattle and farming industries, with its location along the Southern Kansas Railway making it a key point for shipping agricultural products. Over time, Hazelton remained a small but steady agricultural community, with its economy centered on wheat farming and cattle ranching.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: 93 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67061
- Latitude: 37.0864° N
- Longitude: 98.4009° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hazelton is part of the South Barber USD 255, with students attending schools in Kiowa. The town’s most significant landmarks include the Hazelton Cemetery, which reflects the long history of the area’s settlers, and the Hazelton Methodist Church, a historic church that has been a center of the community for over a century. Hazelton’s peaceful rural atmosphere is enhanced by its proximity to the Gypsum Hills, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. The town celebrates its agricultural roots through community events and gatherings, such as local harvest festivals.
Sun City
Overview and History
Sun City is a tiny town in Barber County, Kansas, located in the western part of the county along the Medicine Lodge River. Founded in 1887, the town grew around the cattle ranching industry, which was booming at the time. The town’s name reflects the bright and sunny climate of the region, which helped make it a good area for ranching and agriculture. Over the years, Sun City has maintained its small size but continues to be a focal point for the local ranching community. Its scenic location in the Gypsum Hills adds to its appeal.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: 53 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67143
- Latitude: 37.3431° N
- Longitude: 98.9206° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sun City is part of USD 254, with students attending schools in nearby Medicine Lodge. The town’s landmarks include the Sun City Community Center, which hosts local events and serves as a gathering place for residents. The nearby Gypsum Hills provide opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and other outdoor activities, making the area a destination for nature lovers. Sun City’s small-town charm is reflected in its annual community events, where locals celebrate the region’s rich ranching heritage and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
