Cities and Towns in Graham County, Kansas

Founded in 1867, Graham County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Graham County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Hill City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 65, Graham County has a population of 2,400 and area of 898 square miles (2,326 km²).

List of all cities in Graham County, KS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Bogue, KS 67625 785
Hill City, KS 67642 785
Morland, KS 67650 785
Penokee, KS 67659 785

Major Cities and Towns in Graham County, Kansas

Hill City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.10 square miles
  • Population: 1,403 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 67642
  • Latitude: 39.3647° N
  • Longitude: 99.8447° W

Location and History

Hill City, the county seat of Graham County, is located in northwestern Kansas, along U.S. Highway 24. Founded in 1876, Hill City was named after W.R. Hill, an early settler who played a significant role in the town’s development. The town grew steadily as a regional hub for agriculture, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming forming the backbone of the local economy. Its location near major transportation routes facilitated trade and helped Hill City become a vital center for the surrounding farming communities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred its growth, making Hill City a focal point of economic activity in Graham County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hill City is part of USD 281, with Hill City Junior-Senior High School and Hill City Elementary School serving the community. Key landmarks in Hill City include the Graham County Courthouse, an iconic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Nicodemus National Historic Site, located nearby, preserves the history of one of the first African American settlements in Kansas, founded by former slaves after the Civil War. Hill City also offers outdoor recreational opportunities at Antelope Lake, a popular spot for fishing, camping, and picnicking. The annual Graham County Fair attracts visitors for livestock shows, rodeos, and community celebrations, reflecting the town’s strong agricultural heritage.


Morland

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.21 square miles
  • Population: 129 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 67650
  • Latitude: 39.3486° N
  • Longitude: 100.0744° W

Location and History

Morland is located in the southern part of Graham County, along U.S. Highway 24, about 20 miles southeast of Hill City. Established in 1888 as Fremont, the town was later renamed Morland after J.F. Morland, a prominent local businessman. Morland developed as an agricultural community, with wheat and livestock farming being the primary industries. The town’s history is tied closely to the growth of agriculture in the region and the development of the railroad, which brought new settlers and boosted local commerce. While small, Morland has a strong sense of community and a rich agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Morland is part of USD 281, with students attending schools in nearby Hill City. The town’s major landmark is the Morland Mercantile, a historic building that served as a gathering place for residents and remains a symbol of the town’s pioneer past. The Morland City Park provides recreational space for the community, hosting events such as the annual Morland Fall Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with parades, games, and a community barbecue. The surrounding farmlands, with their sweeping views of the Kansas plains, offer a peaceful, rural setting for Morland’s residents and visitors.


Bogue

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.25 square miles
  • Population: 114 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 67625
  • Latitude: 39.3594° N
  • Longitude: 99.6872° W

Location and History

Bogue is a small town located in the eastern part of Graham County, along Kansas Highway 18. Founded in 1888, Bogue was named after Virgil Gay Bogue, a civil engineer who helped design the railroad that passed through the town. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad played a critical role in Bogue’s early growth, as it became a key shipping point for agricultural products such as wheat and cattle. The town flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though its population has since declined. Despite its small size, Bogue remains a close-knit farming community with strong ties to its agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bogue is part of USD 281, with students attending schools in nearby Hill City. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Bogue City Park, which offers playgrounds and picnic areas for residents. Another notable site is the historic Bogue Depot, a reminder of the town’s railroad past and its importance as a shipping hub. Each year, the community comes together for local events, celebrating the town’s history and agricultural traditions. The surrounding wheat fields and cattle ranches provide a picturesque backdrop to Bogue’s quiet, rural lifestyle, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful farming community.


Nicodemus

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.20 square miles
  • Population: 14 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 67625
  • Latitude: 39.3919° N
  • Longitude: 99.6172° W

Location and History

Nicodemus is a historic town located in northwestern Graham County, known for being one of the first African American settlements in the western United States. Founded in 1877 by formerly enslaved African Americans seeking freedom and opportunity, Nicodemus became a symbol of resilience and self-determination during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. Although the town faced challenges such as harsh weather and isolation, it remained a vital community for African American settlers for many years. Today, Nicodemus is a National Historic Site, preserving the legacy of its founders and celebrating the town’s role in American history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nicodemus is part of USD 281, with students attending schools in nearby Hill City. The town’s most important landmark is the Nicodemus National Historic Site, which includes several historic buildings such as the First Baptist Church and the Nicodemus School. The site is managed by the National Park Service and serves as a museum and educational center, offering exhibits on the town’s founding and the lives of its early settlers. Every year, the town hosts the Nicodemus Emancipation Celebration, a cultural event that brings together descendants of the original settlers and visitors to honor the town’s history and heritage. Nicodemus is a testament to the strength and perseverance of its early African American pioneers.


Penokee (Unincorporated Community)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approx. 25
  • Zip Codes: 67659
  • Latitude: 39.3372° N
  • Longitude: 100.0819° W

Location and History

Penokee is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Graham County, along Kansas Highway 84. Established in the late 19th century, Penokee was originally known as Reford but later renamed after the Penokee Mountains in Wisconsin, reflecting the settlers’ desire to bring a piece of their homeland to Kansas. The community developed as a small farming settlement, with wheat, corn, and cattle farming being central to its economy. Though its population has remained small, Penokee has preserved its rural charm and agricultural way of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Penokee is part of USD 281, with students attending schools in nearby Hill City. As an unincorporated community, Penokee does not have many public landmarks, but it is known for its strong agricultural heritage and close-knit community. The surrounding countryside, characterized by vast wheat fields and grazing cattle, offers scenic views typical of rural Kansas. Penokee’s residents participate in local events and fairs hosted in nearby towns, celebrating the region’s agricultural roots. The peaceful, rural setting and strong sense of community make Penokee an ideal place for those looking to live in a traditional farming community.


Millbrook (Unincorporated Community)

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approx. 10
  • Zip Codes: N/A
  • Latitude: 39.4336° N
  • Longitude: 99.7606° W

Location and History

Millbrook is a tiny, unincorporated community located in northwestern Graham County. Once a more populous town, Millbrook was founded in the late 19th century as a small agricultural settlement. The town’s early history is tied to the development of farming in the area, with wheat and livestock being the primary economic drivers. Over time, as larger towns in the region grew and transportation routes shifted, Millbrook’s population dwindled. Today, it remains a quiet and sparsely populated community, primarily home to a few farming families.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Millbrook is part of USD 281, with students attending schools in nearby Hill City. While Millbrook itself lacks major landmarks due to its unincorporated status, its proximity to outdoor attractions such as the Solomon River and Antelope Lake provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Residents of Millbrook often participate in events and activities in Hill City, maintaining ties to the larger county community. The town’s peaceful, rural atmosphere and connection to Kansas’s agricultural history make it a reminder of the simpler, farming-focused way of life that defined much of the region’s past.