Cities and Towns in Hamilton County, Kansas

Founded in 1873, Hamilton County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Hamilton County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Syracuse is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Hamilton County has a population of 2,484 and area of 996 square miles (2,580 km²).

List of all cities in Hamilton County, KS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Coolidge, KS 67836 620
Kendall, KS 67857 620
Syracuse, KS 67878 620

Major Cities and Towns in Hamilton County, Kansas

Syracuse

Overview

Syracuse is the county seat and largest city in Hamilton County, located in the southwestern part of Kansas along U.S. Route 50, near the Colorado border. It was founded in 1873 and named after Syracuse, New York, by an early settler who originally hailed from there. The city grew steadily as a key stop along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, playing a crucial role in the region’s agricultural and cattle ranching industries. Syracuse’s economy has been shaped by its position along key trade routes, supporting grain production and livestock. Today, it remains a vital hub in the county’s agricultural economy while preserving its small-town charm.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.48 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,700 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67878
  • Latitude: 37.9822° N
  • Longitude: 101.7533° W

Schools and Landmarks

Syracuse is part of Hamilton USD 494, with Syracuse High School being the town’s major educational institution. The school is known for its strong academic and sports programs, particularly in basketball and football. Major landmarks in Syracuse include the Hamilton County Courthouse, an architectural centerpiece of the town, and the Old Town Syracuse Museum, which offers a glimpse into the region’s history through exhibits on early settlers and local Native American tribes. The nearby Arkansas River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and boating, making it a popular spot for residents and visitors alike.

Kendall

Overview

Kendall is a small unincorporated community located in western Hamilton County along U.S. Route 50. It was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad town, named after Amos Kendall, a prominent American politician and U.S. Postmaster General. Kendall served as an agricultural hub for the surrounding wheat and cattle farms, though its population has remained small. Over the years, as transportation evolved and fewer small communities depended on the railroad, Kendall’s population dwindled, but it continues to be a key part of Hamilton County’s farming infrastructure.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.1 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 50 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67857
  • Latitude: 38.0006° N
  • Longitude: 101.8386° W

Schools and Landmarks

Kendall is served by the Hamilton USD 494 school district, with students attending schools in Syracuse. The community does not have its own school but maintains a rural, tight-knit atmosphere. Notable landmarks include the Kendall Grain Elevator, a reminder of the town’s historical importance in agriculture. The surrounding plains offer beautiful, wide-open landscapes typical of western Kansas, with farmlands stretching in all directions. Kendall’s location along the Arkansas River adds a scenic element to the community, making it an attractive place for those who enjoy rural life and agricultural traditions.

Coolidge

Overview

Coolidge is a small town located on the western edge of Hamilton County, directly on the Kansas-Colorado border. Founded in 1882 and named after Thomas Jefferson Coolidge, a Boston businessman, Coolidge thrived during its early years as a cattle town along the railroad. The town once served as a key point for cattle drives heading east, with the Santa Fe Railway passing through. As transportation shifted away from railroads and the cattle industry modernized, Coolidge’s population gradually decreased. Today, it remains a quiet, rural community with a deep history tied to the American frontier and cattle ranching.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 90 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67836
  • Latitude: 38.0411° N
  • Longitude: 102.0158° W

Schools and Landmarks

Coolidge is part of the Hamilton USD 494 school district, with children attending schools in Syracuse. The town’s historical landmarks include the Coolidge Depot, a relic from the town’s railroad days, which is now a museum showcasing the town’s role in the cattle industry and the development of the American West. Another significant site is the historic Fort Aubrey, located just outside of town, which served as a military post during the mid-19th century. The Arkansas River runs nearby, offering outdoor recreational opportunities, while the wide-open plains provide a scenic backdrop to this small, historical town.

Syracuse Junction

Overview

Syracuse Junction is a small unincorporated community located just south of Syracuse, Kansas. This area was established primarily as a railway junction for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century, providing logistical support for the growing agricultural industry in the region. While never as large or developed as its neighbor, Syracuse Junction played a critical role in facilitating the transport of grain, cattle, and goods across southwestern Kansas and into Colorado. Today, Syracuse Junction is a quiet residential area with a few agricultural facilities remaining, but it is mostly incorporated into the broader Syracuse community.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.05 square miles
  • Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67878 (shared with Syracuse)
  • Latitude: 37.9678° N
  • Longitude: 101.7552° W

Schools and Landmarks

Syracuse Junction’s small population shares educational services with Syracuse, and children attend schools in Syracuse through Hamilton USD 494. The area’s primary landmarks are tied to its railway heritage, with remnants of old tracks and grain silos standing as a testament to its past. The junction is also located near the Arkansas River, which provides outdoor recreational opportunities. Though Syracuse Junction has largely merged with Syracuse, it remains an important part of the region’s agricultural history and its development as a key transportation hub in western Kansas.

Mayline

Overview

Mayline is a small, unincorporated rural community in southern Hamilton County. The town was established in the late 19th century, like many in the region, to support local farming and ranching operations. Though never a large settlement, Mayline served as a key point for nearby farmers to ship their goods, particularly wheat, cattle, and corn. Today, Mayline remains a quiet agricultural community, with only a few homes and farms dotting the landscape. Its proximity to larger towns like Syracuse allows residents to access services and schools while maintaining a peaceful rural lifestyle.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.1 square miles
  • Population: Fewer than 50 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67878 (shared with Syracuse)
  • Latitude: 37.8731° N
  • Longitude: 101.7928° W

Schools and Landmarks

Mayline is part of the Hamilton USD 494 school district, with children attending schools in Syracuse. The community does not have any major landmarks of its own, but the surrounding farmlands are emblematic of the region’s agricultural heritage. The Arkansas River is nearby, providing scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and bird watching. Like other small communities in the area, Mayline reflects the traditional farming lifestyle that has been a cornerstone of Hamilton County’s economy for over a century. The flat plains and expansive farmland contribute to its quiet, rural charm.