Cities and Towns in Cherokee County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Cherokee County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Cherokee County was one of the original 36 counties (Formerly McGee County). The city of Columbus is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Cherokee County has a population of 19,130 and area of 587 square miles (1,520 km²).
List of all cities in Cherokee County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Badger, KS | 66739 | 620 |
| Baxter Springs, KS | 66713 | 620 |
| Big Elk, KS | 66713 | 620 |
| Carona, KS | 66773 | 620 |
| Columbus, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Crestline, KS | 66728 | 620 |
| Galena, KS | 66739 | 620 |
| Hallowell, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Lawton, KS | 66781 | 620 |
| Lowell, KS | 66713 | 620 |
| 66739 | 620 | |
| Melrose, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| 66778 | 620 | |
| Mineral, KS | 66782 | 620 |
| Neutral, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Quaker, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Riverton, KS | 66770 | 620 |
| Roseland, KS | 66773 | 620 |
| Scammon, KS | 66773 | 620 |
| Sherwin, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Sims, KS | 66713 | 620 |
| Skidmore, KS | 66773 | 620 |
| Spring Grove, KS | 66739 | 620 |
| Stippville, KS | 66725 | 620 |
| Treece, KS | 66778 | 620 |
| Weir, KS | 66781 | 620 |
| West Mineral, KS | 66782 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cherokee County, Kansas
Baxter Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.21 square miles
- Population: 3,735 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66713
- Latitude: 37.0231° N
- Longitude: 94.7355° W
Location and History
Baxter Springs is located in the southeastern corner of Kansas along the Spring River, close to the Oklahoma and Missouri borders. Founded in 1868, the city quickly gained prominence as a major stop on the cattle drives from Texas to Kansas. Known as the first “cow town” in Kansas, Baxter Springs was once a bustling hub for cattle ranchers driving herds to northern markets. During the Civil War, the town was the site of the Baxter Springs Massacre, a significant event where Confederate soldiers ambushed Union troops. The city later became a stop on the famous Route 66, boosting its appeal as a tourist destination in the mid-20th century. Today, Baxter Springs is proud of its rich historical legacy, with Route 66 heritage being central to its identity.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Baxter Springs is part of the Baxter Springs USD 508 school district, with Baxter Springs High School and Central Elementary School serving the educational needs of the community. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum, which chronicles the town’s history from its Native American roots to the Route 66 era. Another key landmark is the Rainbow Bridge, an iconic single-arched bridge on the original Route 66, which still attracts visitors. The downtown area, lined with historic buildings and murals, reflects the town’s past, and nearby Riverside Park offers recreation opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
Columbus
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.38 square miles
- Population: 3,112 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66725
- Latitude: 37.1714° N
- Longitude: 94.8425° W
Location and History
Columbus, the county seat of Cherokee County, is located in the southwestern part of the county. Established in 1868, Columbus grew rapidly due to the discovery of lead and zinc in the area, which made mining a significant part of the local economy. The Kansas City Southern Railway played a major role in the town’s development, helping to transport mined materials and connect the community to larger markets. Over time, Columbus evolved into a more diversified agricultural and service-based economy. Today, Columbus remains a small but vibrant community with a deep connection to its mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Columbus is served by the Columbus USD 493 school district, which includes Columbus Unified High School, Central Elementary, and Park Elementary School. Among the city’s most notable landmarks is the Cherokee County Courthouse, a beautiful 20th-century structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city also features the Veterans Memorial Park, which honors local veterans and serves as a venue for community events. Another key attraction is Big Brutus, a massive electric coal mining shovel located just outside of Columbus, now part of a museum that pays tribute to the area’s industrial history.
Galena
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.48 square miles
- Population: 2,850 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66739
- Latitude: 37.0767° N
- Longitude: 94.6355° W
Location and History
Galena is situated in the eastern part of Cherokee County, near the Kansas-Missouri border. The town was founded in 1877 after the discovery of rich deposits of galena, a form of lead ore, which led to a mining boom that shaped the town’s economy for decades. Named after the mineral that sparked its creation, Galena grew quickly as mining operations attracted workers and businesses. In its heyday, the town was a major lead and zinc mining center, contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity. Today, Galena is part of the historic Route 66 corridor, which draws tourists interested in the town’s industrial history and its connection to the famous highway.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Galena is part of the Galena USD 499 school district, with Galena High School, Liberty Elementary, and Spring Grove Primary School serving local students. The town’s landmarks include the Galena Mining & Historical Museum, which provides insight into the mining industry that built the town. Another key site is Cars on the Route, a restored service station along Route 66 that celebrates the town’s role in the historic highway and even features vehicles that inspired characters from the movie Cars. Visitors can also explore Schermerhorn Park and Southeast Kansas Nature Center, located nearby, which offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and educational programs.
Weir
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.97 square miles
- Population: 627 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66781
- Latitude: 37.3092° N
- Longitude: 94.7711° W
Location and History
Weir is located in the northern part of Cherokee County, near U.S. Route 69. The town was founded in 1872, during the height of the coal mining era in southeastern Kansas. Named after T. M. Weir, an influential mining engineer, the town grew as a center for coal mining, attracting a large population of miners and their families. The mines provided jobs and fueled the town’s economy for many years, but as coal demand declined in the 20th century, so did the population. Today, Weir is a small rural town with a quiet, close-knit community, reflecting its mining heritage while focusing on agriculture and local businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Weir is part of the Southeast USD 247 school district, with Southeast High School and Southeast Elementary School providing education to the local community. One of the town’s key landmarks is the historic Weir Depot, which harkens back to the days when the railroad was essential to transporting coal. The Weir Historical Museum offers exhibits on the town’s mining past and its role in the coal industry. Weir also hosts a variety of local events, including annual festivals that bring the community together to celebrate its heritage. The surrounding farmland and countryside provide scenic views typical of rural Kansas.
Scammon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.83 square miles
- Population: 434 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66773
- Latitude: 37.2794° N
- Longitude: 94.8225° W
Location and History
Scammon is located in the northern part of Cherokee County, not far from Weir. The town was founded in 1879 by the Scammon brothers, who were instrumental in developing the local coal mining industry. Scammon quickly became a hub for coal production, with the Kansas and Texas Coal Company setting up operations in the area. The town prospered during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the demand for coal drove the local economy. However, as with many mining towns in Kansas, Scammon experienced a decline when coal production slowed. Today, it remains a small rural community with a strong sense of local pride.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Scammon is part of the Southeast USD 247 school district, which serves students from Scammon and surrounding areas. Scammon has preserved much of its mining heritage, with the Scammon Mining Memorial Park serving as a tribute to the miners who worked in the town’s coalfields. The park features historical markers and artifacts related to the town’s industrial past. Scammon also hosts community events at the local community center, which provides a venue for gatherings, festivals, and recreational activities. The town’s rural setting offers residents and visitors access to the beautiful Kansas landscape, with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Cherokee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: 632 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 66724
- Latitude: 37.3489° N
- Longitude: 94.8325° W
Location and History
Cherokee is located in the northern region of Cherokee County, near U.S. Route 400. The town was established in 1874 and named after the county itself, which takes its name from the Cherokee Native American tribe. Like many towns in the region, Cherokee’s early growth was tied to the coal mining industry, which attracted workers and families to the area. The railroad also played a significant role in the town’s development, as it facilitated the transportation of coal and other goods. Although coal mining has since declined, Cherokee has remained a stable rural community with a focus on agriculture and local industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cherokee is part of the Southeast USD 247 school district, with Southeast High School and Southeast Elementary School located nearby. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Cherokee Community Building, which hosts local events and serves as a gathering place for residents. Cherokee is also known for its close proximity to Crawford State Park, a popular outdoor destination featuring a large lake, campsites, and trails for hiking and biking. The park is a significant attraction for those interested in fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of southeastern Kansas. Cherokee continues to celebrate its history through community events and festivals that highlight its coal mining past.
