Cities and Towns in Morris County, Kansas
Founded in 1855, Morris County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Morris County was one of the original 36 counties (Formerly Wise County). The city of Council Grove is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Morris County has a population of 5,356 and area of 697 square miles (1,805 km²).
List of all cities in Morris County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Burdick, KS | 66838 | 785 |
| Council Grove, KS | 66846 | 620 |
| 66873 | 785 | |
| Dunlap, KS | 66846 | 620 |
| Dwight, KS | 66849 | 785 |
| White City, KS | 66872 | 785 |
| Wilsey, KS | 66873 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Morris County, Kansas
Council Grove
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,100
- Zip Code: 66846
- Latitude: 38.6619° N
- Longitude: 96.4919° W
Location and History
Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County, is located along U.S. Highway 56 in the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. Founded in 1825, the town holds historical significance as a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail. Named for the grove of trees where a treaty was signed with the Osage Nation to allow safe passage for travelers on the trail, Council Grove grew as a vital trading post and settlement. The town has deep roots in early American history, with many historic landmarks reflecting its role in westward expansion. Today, Council Grove serves as a cultural and economic hub in Morris County, while preserving its historic charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Council Grove is part of Morris County USD 417, which includes Council Grove High School, Council Grove Middle School, and Council Grove Elementary School. The town boasts numerous historical landmarks, including the Council Oak, where the 1825 treaty was signed, and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site, which tells the story of the Kaw (Kansa) people and early missionary efforts. The Hays House is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi River. Council Grove Lake offers outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping, making it a popular recreational spot for residents and visitors alike.
Herington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.48 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,100
- Zip Code: 67449
- Latitude: 38.6686° N
- Longitude: 96.9431° W
Location and History
Herington is located in the northwestern part of Morris County, extending into Dickinson County. The town was founded in 1887 by Monroe Davis Herington, a local businessman and railroad promoter. As a key railway junction, Herington became a significant transportation hub for the region, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the state. The town’s strategic location along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad allowed it to prosper during the early 20th century. While railroads no longer play the same role, Herington maintains its importance as a regional center for agriculture and light industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Herington is part of Herington USD 487, which includes Herington High School, Herington Middle School, and Herington Elementary School. Notable landmarks include the Herington Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s railroad history, and Father Padilla Park, a community hub that hosts local events and offers recreational facilities. Herington Lake and Lake Herington provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The annual Railroad Days Festival celebrates the town’s rich railroading heritage with parades, historical reenactments, and community gatherings.
White City
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.36 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Code: 66872
- Latitude: 38.7975° N
- Longitude: 96.7361° W
Location and History
White City is located in the northern part of Morris County, along Kansas Highway 4. The town was established in 1871 and was originally named “Skiddy,” after a local railroad director. However, the name was changed to White City in 1873, in honor of the nearby white limestone quarries that contributed to its early growth. White City developed as an agricultural community, with wheat farming and cattle ranching forming the backbone of its economy. The railroad played a significant role in its early expansion, enabling farmers to ship their products to larger markets. Today, White City remains a small, close-knit rural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
White City is part of Morris County USD 417, and the town is home to White City Schools, which serves students from kindergarten through high school. Landmarks in the town include the White City Depot, a historic railroad station that harkens back to the town’s railroading days. White City Park offers a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields for local recreation. The town also celebrates its agricultural heritage with an annual Fall Festival, which includes parades, local crafts, and community meals. The surrounding rolling plains and farmlands offer scenic views of Kansas’s rural landscape.
Dunlap
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 30
- Zip Code: 66846
- Latitude: 38.5703° N
- Longitude: 96.3658° W
Location and History
Dunlap is a small rural community located in southeastern Morris County. The town was established in 1869 by Joseph Dunlap, a local land developer. It holds a unique place in Kansas history as the site of one of the first African-American settlements in the state, founded by freed slaves under the guidance of the Exoduster Movement in the late 1870s. The Exodusters, led by Reverend Benjamin “Pap” Singleton, came to Kansas seeking freedom and new opportunities, and Dunlap became a key location for this migration. Though the African-American community eventually dwindled, the legacy of the Exodusters remains a significant part of Dunlap’s history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dunlap is part of Morris County USD 417, but local students attend schools in nearby Council Grove. The town’s major landmark is the Dunlap Cemetery, where many of the original Exoduster settlers are buried. Historical markers around the town commemorate its role in the Exoduster Movement and its importance in African-American history. Big John Creek and the nearby Flint Hills offer scenic outdoor spaces for hiking and exploration. Though Dunlap is small, it holds a rich history that is celebrated by visitors and historians interested in the pioneering spirit of its early settlers.
Latimer
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.08 square miles
- Population: Approximately 20
- Zip Code: 67449
- Latitude: 38.6889° N
- Longitude: 96.8250° W
Location and History
Latimer is a small, unincorporated community in the northwestern part of Morris County, near Herington. Founded in the late 19th century, Latimer was once a small agricultural town that supported local farmers and ranchers. The town’s population peaked in the early 20th century, but like many small rural towns in Kansas, Latimer saw a decline as transportation and farming practices evolved. Today, it remains a quiet, sparsely populated community, with most residents involved in agriculture or commuting to nearby towns for work. Latimer’s history is a reminder of the many small farming communities that played a vital role in settling the Kansas plains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Latimer is served by Herington USD 487, with students attending schools in nearby Herington. The town itself has few remaining landmarks, though the Latimer Cemetery serves as a historical site where many of the town’s original settlers are buried. The surrounding farmland and prairie offer a glimpse into the traditional agricultural lifestyle of the region. The Latimer Church, though no longer active, stands as a reminder of the town’s once-thriving community. Nearby Lake Herington provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, offering fishing, boating, and camping in a scenic rural setting.
Parkerville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 50
- Zip Code: 66860
- Latitude: 38.7167° N
- Longitude: 96.6781° W
Location and History
Parkerville is a small town located in central Morris County, near the junction of Kansas Highway 177. Established in 1871, Parkerville grew as a result of the Kansas Pacific Railway, which provided transportation for local farmers and businesses. The town was named after Colonel C.W. Parker, a prominent local figure who helped develop the area. During its peak, Parkerville was a bustling rural community, with a post office, school, and several businesses serving the surrounding area. However, like many small towns in Kansas, its population declined over the years as the economy shifted and transportation routes changed.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Parkerville is part of Morris County USD 417, with students attending schools in nearby Council Grove. Parkerville Cemetery is a historical landmark where many early settlers are interred, reflecting the town’s long history. The Flint Hills surrounding the town offer beautiful landscapes and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing. Parkerville also has remnants of its historic buildings, including old storefronts and homes, which give visitors a glimpse into the town’s past. The Council Grove Reservoir is located nearby, offering additional recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping.
