Cities and Towns in Harper County, Kansas

Founded in 1867, Harper County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Harper County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Anthony is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Harper County has a population of 5,331 and area of 802 square miles (2,077 km²).

List of all cities in Harper County, KS alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Anthony, KS 67003 620
67150 620
Attica, KS 67009 620
Bluff City, KS 67018 620
Danville, KS 67036 620
Duquoin, KS 67058 620
Freeport, KS 67049 620
Harper, KS 67058 620
Waldron, KS 67150 620

Major Cities and Towns in Harper County, Kansas

Harper

Overview

Harper is the county seat and one of the largest cities in Harper County, Kansas. Founded in 1877, Harper was named after Sergeant Marion Harper, a soldier in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry during the Civil War. Located in the south-central part of Kansas, Harper thrived as a result of the cattle industry, and its position along the railroads made it an important shipping hub. In the late 19th century, the town developed rapidly, fueled by the agricultural boom in the region. Harper’s economy has long been driven by farming, particularly wheat and cattle ranching, and continues to play a significant role in the county’s agricultural output.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.53 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,300 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67058
  • Latitude: 37.2850° N
  • Longitude: 98.0256° W

Schools and Landmarks

Harper is part of Chaparral USD 361, with Harper Elementary and Chaparral High School serving the town and surrounding areas. Chaparral High is known for its academic and athletic programs, particularly in basketball and football. Key landmarks in Harper include the Harper Historical Museum, which provides insights into the town’s frontier history and the agricultural boom. Harper City Park, a central gathering place for community events, also hosts annual festivities like the Harper County Fair. The nearby Anthony Lake offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Anthony

Overview

Anthony, another significant city in Harper County, was established in 1878 and named after George T. Anthony, the 7th Governor of Kansas. Located near the southern border of Kansas, Anthony is known for its rich history tied to the cattle trade and agricultural development. The town became a vital center for wheat farming, and its growth was further bolstered by the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. Today, Anthony serves as a commercial and agricultural hub for the region, maintaining its small-town feel while supporting the county’s farming and ranching activities.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 2.57 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,200 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67003
  • Latitude: 37.1539° N
  • Longitude: 98.0281° W

Schools and Landmarks

Anthony is served by Chaparral USD 361, with Anthony Elementary and Chaparral High School providing education to the town’s youth. The Anthony Theatre, a historic landmark built in 1936, is one of the key attractions, offering classic and modern films. The Anthony City Museum preserves the town’s history, including exhibits on its founding and role in the cattle industry. Anthony Lake, just a few miles outside the city, is a popular recreational site offering fishing, boating, and camping. The town also hosts the annual Sunflower Balloon Fest, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy hot air balloon rides and family-friendly events.

Attica

Overview

Attica, a small town in western Harper County, was founded in 1884 and named after the Attica region of New York. The town grew steadily as a farming community, with wheat, corn, and cattle as the primary industries. Attica is located along Kansas Highway 2, providing easy access to larger cities like Wichita. While it has remained a small, agricultural town throughout its history, Attica’s community has thrived due to its strong agricultural ties and close-knit residents. The town’s history is deeply connected to the development of Harper County as a whole, reflecting the region’s reliance on agriculture.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.76 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 600 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67009
  • Latitude: 37.2419° N
  • Longitude: 98.2279° W

Schools and Landmarks

Attica is part of Attica USD 511, with Attica High School and Attica Elementary serving the community. Attica High is known for its tight-knit student body and strong academic programs. A key landmark in the town is the Attica Veterans Memorial, which honors local veterans who have served in the U.S. military. Another notable site is Attica’s community park, which hosts town events, including the annual Harper County Fair. Attica is also close to the picturesque Gypsum Hills, which offer scenic views and opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Bluff City

Overview

Bluff City, located in southeastern Harper County, was founded in 1887 and named for the bluffs that rise along nearby rivers. This small, rural town grew as an agricultural community, particularly during the expansion of wheat farming in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Bluff City remains a quiet, close-knit community that continues to rely on farming and ranching as its primary industries. Despite its small size, Bluff City has a rich history tied to the development of Harper County and its agricultural boom.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 65 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67018
  • Latitude: 37.0642° N
  • Longitude: 97.8748° W

Schools and Landmarks

Bluff City’s students attend schools in the nearby town of Anthony through Chaparral USD 361. The town itself is home to a few notable landmarks, including the historic Bluff City Bank building, which has stood for over a century as a testament to the town’s economic history. The surrounding farmland provides picturesque views of Kansas’s agricultural heartland. Bluff City is also located near the Chikaskia River, where residents and visitors can enjoy fishing and outdoor activities. The town’s annual community picnic, a tradition that has been upheld for generations, brings together residents for food, games, and socializing.

Freeport

Overview

Freeport, known as the smallest incorporated city in Kansas, is located in the northeastern part of Harper County. Established in the late 19th century, Freeport was once a thriving small town, supported by the surrounding agricultural economy. However, as transportation and farming practices modernized, Freeport’s population dwindled. Today, the town holds onto its title as the smallest city in Kansas, with only a handful of residents. Despite its size, Freeport plays an important role in Harper County’s agricultural history and is a symbol of the rural lifestyle that characterizes much of Kansas.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.04 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5 (2023 estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 67049
  • Latitude: 37.1742° N
  • Longitude: 97.8470° W

Schools and Landmarks

Freeport’s students attend schools in nearby Harper and Anthony, as there are no schools within the town itself. The town has a few notable landmarks, including the historic Freeport Post Office, which was operational until the mid-20th century. Freeport’s small size makes it a unique destination for those interested in Kansas history and rural life. The surrounding countryside provides a peaceful atmosphere, with large expanses of farmland and rural roads. Despite its diminutive size, Freeport is a reminder of the many small farming communities that once dotted Kansas, representing a bygone era of American rural life.