Cities and Towns in Gray County, Kansas

Founded in 1887, Gray County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Gray County was formed from Finney and Ford Counties. The city of Cimarron is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Gray County has a population of 5,644 and area of 869 square miles (2,251 km²).

List of all cities in Gray County, KS alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Cimarron, KS	67835	620
Copeland, KS	67837	620
Ensign, KS	67841	620
Ingalls, KS	67853	620
Kalvesta, KS	67835	620
Montezuma, KS	67867	620

Major Cities and Towns in Gray County, Kansas

Cimarron

Overview

Cimarron is the county seat of Gray County and is located in the southwestern part of Kansas, serving as a key community along U.S. Highway 50. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after the nearby Cimarron River, a vital water source for settlers and cattle drives during the westward expansion. Cimarron grew rapidly as a railroad town and became a central hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The town’s historical connection to the cattle industry and its location on the Santa Fe Trail contributed to its development. Today, Cimarron maintains a balance between its agricultural roots and its status as the administrative center of the county.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,300 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67835
• Latitude: 37.8084° N
• Longitude: 100.3492° W

Schools and Landmarks

Cimarron is home to Cimarron High School and Cimarron Elementary School, which serve students from the town and surrounding areas. Cimarron High School is known for its strong athletic programs and academic achievements. Major landmarks include the Gray County Courthouse, a classic example of early 20th-century architecture, and the nearby Cimarron Crossing Park, which commemorates the town’s role on the Santa Fe Trail. The park also features a replica of a historic wagon and other interpretive signs detailing the region’s pioneer history.

Montezuma

Overview

Montezuma, located in the southern part of Gray County, was founded in 1879 and is a small but vibrant agricultural community. The town was named after the Aztec emperor Montezuma, reflecting a romanticized view of the American West at the time. Montezuma grew as a result of railroad expansion and the surrounding farming and cattle industries, which continue to be central to its economy. The town is known for its proximity to the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Holcomb Station, which supports the local energy sector. Montezuma prides itself on its tight-knit community and its support for sustainable agricultural practices.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.7 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67867
• Latitude: 37.5958° N
• Longitude: 100.4441° W

Schools and Landmarks

Montezuma’s major school is South Gray High School, which serves students from Montezuma and surrounding rural areas. The school is known for its involvement in sports and extracurricular activities, particularly basketball. A major landmark in Montezuma is the Stauth Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from around the world, collected by Claude and Donalda Stauth during their extensive travels. The museum also features exhibits on local history and culture. Additionally, Montezuma is home to the Montezuma Wind Farm, one of the largest wind energy projects in the region, highlighting the town’s commitment to renewable energy.

Ingalls

Overview

Ingalls, located to the east of Cimarron along U.S. Route 50, is a small town with a rich history tied to the cattle drives of the late 19th century. The town was named after Senator John James Ingalls, a prominent Kansas politician. Ingalls was once a key stopping point for settlers and cattle ranchers moving through southwestern Kansas. The town grew slowly but steadily due to its position along the railroad and its role in supporting the agricultural economy. Although Ingalls remains small in population, it has a close-knit community focused on farming and ranching.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67853
• Latitude: 37.8264° N
• Longitude: 100.4574° W

Schools and Landmarks

Ingalls Public School, a K-12 institution, is central to the community and provides education to children in the town and surrounding rural areas. The school is known for its strong sense of community and its focus on agricultural education. A significant landmark in Ingalls is the original Ingalls Grain Elevator, which symbolizes the town’s long-standing relationship with the grain industry. The town is also near the Cimarron National Grassland, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping, making it a popular spot for residents and visitors alike.

Ensign

Overview

Ensign is a small, rural town located southeast of Cimarron. It was established in the late 19th century and, like many towns in Gray County, grew out of the agricultural boom that followed the expansion of the railroads. The town was named after a local settler, and its economy has historically been tied to farming, particularly wheat and corn production. While Ensign has remained small in population, it serves as a residential community for those working in the surrounding farmland. The town has a quiet, rural atmosphere and is known for its tight-knit community.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 67841
• Latitude: 37.6595° N
• Longitude: 100.2299° W

Schools and Landmarks

Ensign is part of the Cimarron-Ensign School District, and students attend schools in nearby Cimarron. There are no schools directly within Ensign, but it remains a supportive community for the district’s activities, including sports and academic competitions. The main landmarks in Ensign include the local grain elevators, which dominate the town’s skyline and serve as a reminder of the town’s agricultural roots. Additionally, the town is located near several historical trails and markers related to the Santa Fe Trail, which once passed through this region. The area’s peaceful rural landscape is ideal for those seeking quiet and simplicity.