Cities and Towns in Grant County, Kansas
Founded in 1888, Grant County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Grant County was formed from Finney and Hamilton Counties. The city of Ulysses is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Grant County has a population of 7,324 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).
List of all cities in Grant County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ulysses, KS | 67880 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Grant County, Kansas
Ulysses
Overview
Ulysses, the county seat of Grant County, is the largest city in the area, serving as a hub for the region’s agricultural and energy sectors. The town was originally founded in the 1880s and named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. Due to financial troubles in the late 19th century, the original townsite was moved 2 miles west to its current location. Ulysses has played a central role in the development of southwestern Kansas and has grown steadily with the expansion of farming, particularly wheat, corn, and cattle ranching, and the oil and gas industries.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.65 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67880
- Latitude: 37.5814° N
- Longitude: 101.3552° W
Schools and Landmarks
The major schools in Ulysses include Ulysses High School and Kepley Middle School, both known for their focus on academics and athletics. One of the most notable landmarks in Ulysses is Bentwood Golf Course, a community gathering place. The Historic Adobe Museum captures the rich agricultural and pioneer history of the region. The town is also near Wagon Bed Spring, a significant landmark on the historic Santa Fe Trail, which provided a vital water source to travelers heading west.
Hickok
Overview
Hickok is a small, rural unincorporated community in Grant County, Kansas. Established primarily as a railroad town during the early 20th century, Hickok never grew significantly in population due to the consolidation of rail services and agriculture becoming more mechanized. Despite its small size, Hickok remains a tight-knit farming community where residents continue to cultivate wheat and corn. It is located just east of Ulysses and remains relatively close to key transportation routes that connect the town to larger markets.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: Approximately 0.5 square miles
- Population: Less than 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67880 (shared with Ulysses)
- Latitude: 37.5936° N
- Longitude: 101.2773° W
Schools and Landmarks
As a very small community, Hickok does not have its own schools, with children attending schools in nearby Ulysses. However, the community is located near some of the region’s key agricultural landmarks, including large-scale wheat farms and cattle ranches. Residents often travel to Ulysses for services, and the proximity to Wagon Bed Spring remains a significant historical feature in the area.
Ryus
Overview
Ryus is a ghost town in Grant County, Kansas, which saw its peak during the late 19th century. Originally a stagecoach stop along the Santa Fe Trail, Ryus developed as settlers moved westward, attracted by the fertile soil and open land. However, with the rise of the railroad and changing agricultural practices, the town’s importance waned, and by the mid-20th century, it was largely abandoned. Today, only a few structures remain to mark the town’s history, providing a glimpse into the early settler era of southwestern Kansas.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.1 square miles (historic town)
- Population: 0 (abandoned)
- Zip Codes: 67880 (shared with Ulysses)
- Latitude: 37.5633° N
- Longitude: 101.4000° W
Schools and Landmarks
Since Ryus is no longer populated, there are no schools or active landmarks within the town itself. However, the location serves as a historical site for those interested in early Kansas pioneer history. The remnants of old buildings and nearby historic markers tell the story of a once-thriving community. Its proximity to Wagon Bed Spring and the larger Ulysses area makes it a point of interest for history enthusiasts exploring the legacy of the Santa Fe Trail.
Shockey
Overview
Shockey, like Ryus, is considered a ghost town today, though it was once a bustling small farming town in Grant County. It was established in the late 19th century, during a period of rapid settlement across the Great Plains. Shockey was part of the homesteading wave, where land was granted to settlers willing to cultivate it. However, as with many small towns in Kansas, the advent of modern transportation and centralized farming practices led to the town’s decline by the early 20th century.
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.1 square miles (historical record)
- Population: 0 (abandoned)
- Zip Codes: 67880 (shared with Ulysses)
- Latitude: 37.5286° N
- Longitude: 101.3125° W
Schools and Landmarks
Shockey has no schools or functioning landmarks, as it is no longer a populated town. However, the region around Shockey is rich in agricultural history, and visitors can see the remnants of old farmsteads and abandoned equipment, which tell the story of the challenges early settlers faced. Nearby Ulysses provides the closest educational institutions and services for those visiting or studying the area’s history. Landmarks like the historic Santa Fe Trail and Wagon Bed Spring add to the historical significance of the region surrounding Shockey.
