Cities and Towns in Chautauqua County, Kansas
Founded in 1875, Chautauqua County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Chautauqua County was formed from Howard County. The city of Sedan is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Chautauqua County has a population of 3,395 and area of 642 square miles (1,663 km²).
List of all cities in Chautauqua County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cedar Vale, KS | 67024 | 620 |
| Chautauqua, KS | 67334 | 620 |
| Hewins, KS | 67024 | 620 |
| Niotaze, KS | 67355 | 620 |
| Peru, KS | 67360 | 620 |
| Sedan, KS | 67361 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Chautauqua County, Kansas
Sedan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.57 square miles
- Population: 1,072 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67361
- Latitude: 37.1289° N
- Longitude: 96.1867° W
Location and History
Sedan, the county seat of Chautauqua County, is located in the southeastern part of Kansas, near the border with Oklahoma. Established in 1871, the town was named after the Battle of Sedan during the Franco-Prussian War, which had just taken place. Sedan quickly grew into a regional center for agriculture, with cattle ranching and wheat farming playing key roles in its early economy. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century further accelerated its development. The town has preserved much of its small-town charm, featuring historic architecture and a strong sense of community. Over time, it became known as a tourist destination due to its connection to the natural beauty of the nearby Flint Hills.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sedan is served by the Chautauqua County Community School District (USD 286), with Sedan High School and Sedan Elementary School providing education to local students. One of the town’s major landmarks is the Emmett Kelly Museum, which celebrates the life of the famous circus clown, Emmett Kelly, who grew up in the area. Another key attraction is the Hollow Park and Falls, a scenic park with a waterfall that is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The Red Buffalo Ranch, located just outside of Sedan, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and connects visitors to the region’s ranching history.
Cedar Vale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: 492 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67024
- Latitude: 37.1036° N
- Longitude: 96.5025° W
Location and History
Cedar Vale is located in the western part of Chautauqua County, along the banks of the Caney River. Founded in the 1870s, the town was named for the cedar trees that grew in the nearby valleys. Cedar Vale was initially a trading post for settlers and cattle ranchers in the region, serving as a stop for cattle drives heading north from Texas. Over time, it developed into a small agricultural town with a strong focus on wheat farming and cattle ranching. The town’s connection to the railroad helped facilitate its growth during the late 19th century, although its population and economy remained modest compared to larger towns in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cedar Vale is part of the Cedar Vale USD 285 school district, with Cedar Vale High School and Cedar Vale Elementary School serving the local population. The town’s primary landmarks include the Cedar Vale Historical Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s pioneer and ranching past. Another point of interest is Hewins Park, which offers a scenic view of the Caney River and provides recreational facilities for residents. The surrounding countryside is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for hunting and fishing. Cedar Vale’s annual Labor Day celebration, which includes a parade and community events, is one of the highlights of the year.
Peru
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: 126 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67360
- Latitude: 37.0806° N
- Longitude: 96.0981° W
Location and History
Peru is located in the northeastern part of Chautauqua County, close to the border with Montgomery County. Founded in the 1870s, the town was named after Peru, Illinois, as many of the early settlers were from that region. Peru grew as a small farming community, benefiting from its proximity to the Caney River and fertile land for crops and livestock. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad briefly boosted the town’s economic prospects, but it remained a quiet rural community throughout much of its history. Today, Peru is known for its strong community ties and peaceful atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Peru is part of the USD 286 school district, with students attending schools in nearby Sedan. The town’s main landmark is the historic Peru City Hall, a building that dates back to the early 20th century and continues to serve as a community center. The Caney River, which runs near the town, provides opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities. Peru’s annual Fourth of July celebration is a well-loved event, drawing both residents and visitors for fireworks, food, and festivities. The surrounding countryside, with its rolling hills and open pastures, is typical of the natural beauty found throughout Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.23 square miles
- Population: 98 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67334
- Latitude: 37.0225° N
- Longitude: 96.1772° W
Location and History
Chautauqua is located in the southern part of Chautauqua County, near the Oklahoma border. Founded in 1881, the town was named after Chautauqua Lake in New York, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Chautauqua was originally a ranching and farming community, relying on the area’s rolling plains for livestock grazing. The town also developed as a stop for stagecoaches and cattle drives in the late 19th century. Although the town never grew to a significant size, it has maintained a strong agricultural presence and remains closely connected to the local farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chautauqua is part of the USD 286 school district, and students travel to nearby Sedan for their education. The town’s most notable landmark is the Chautauqua Cemetery, where many of the region’s early settlers are buried. The town itself is surrounded by vast open lands used primarily for ranching and farming, offering picturesque views of the Kansas prairie. Chautauqua’s small-town charm is evident during its annual community picnic, where residents gather for food, games, and local traditions. The surrounding landscape also provides opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and birdwatching in the nearby Flint Hills.
Elgin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.13 square miles
- Population: 64 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 67361
- Latitude: 36.9056° N
- Longitude: 96.2864° W
Location and History
Elgin, located in the southeastern corner of Chautauqua County, near the Kansas-Oklahoma border, was founded in 1869 as a cattle town. During the height of the cattle drives in the late 19th century, Elgin was a booming frontier town with saloons, hotels, and stockyards. It served as a major cattle shipping point for the Texas cattle drives heading north. However, as the era of cattle drives came to an end and railroads became more dominant, Elgin’s importance waned, and its population gradually declined. Today, it is a quiet rural community that preserves its heritage as a part of Kansas’s Wild West history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elgin is part of the USD 286 school district, with students attending schools in Sedan. The town’s major historical landmark is the old Elgin Hotel, which once catered to cowboys and cattle traders during the town’s heyday. Although the hotel is no longer in operation, the building stands as a reminder of Elgin’s rich history. The town also has a small post office and community center, which serve as gathering points for residents. The surrounding open plains offer a glimpse of the rugged landscape that was once central to the cattle drives of the late 1800s, making Elgin an interesting stop for history enthusiasts.
