Cities and Towns in Morton County, Kansas
Founded in 1886, Morton County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Morton County was formed from Seward County. The city of Elkhart is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Morton County has a population of 2,692 and area of 730 square miles (1,891 km²).
List of all cities in Morton County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Elkhart, KS | 67950 | 620 |
| Richfield, KS | 67953 | 620 |
| Rolla, KS | 67954 | 620 |
Major Cities and Towns in Morton County, Kansas
Elkhart
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Code: 67950
- Latitude: 37.0086° N
- Longitude: 101.8936° W
Location and History
Elkhart, the county seat of Morton County, is located in the southwestern corner of Kansas, just a few miles from the Oklahoma border. Founded in 1913, the town was named after Elkhart, Indiana, by early settlers who migrated from that region. Elkhart’s growth was primarily fueled by its location along the Santa Fe Trail, serving as a key stop for traders and travelers heading west. Its proximity to the Cimarron National Grassland, the largest area of public land in Kansas, has also contributed to its development, especially in agriculture and cattle ranching. In the 1930s, the Dust Bowl had a significant impact on the region, but the community remained resilient and rebuilt.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elkhart is served by USD 218 Elkhart Public Schools, which includes Elkhart High School, Elkhart Middle School, and Elkhart Elementary School. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Morton County Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on local history, including the Dust Bowl era and early pioneer life. Cimarron National Grassland provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and camping. The Point of Rocks, a historic landmark along the Santa Fe Trail, is a nearby natural feature that offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Elkhart Municipal Airport also serves the area, supporting local transportation and industry.
Rolla
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Zip Code: 67954
- Latitude: 36.7742° N
- Longitude: 101.6253° W
Location and History
Rolla is located in the southern part of Morton County, near the Oklahoma state line, and is a small agricultural community. Founded in the early 1900s, Rolla was named after the city of Rolla, Missouri, by settlers who were originally from that area. The town developed as a result of the growing agricultural industry, with wheat farming and cattle ranching playing a significant role in its economy. Over the years, Rolla has maintained its rural charm and agricultural focus, with a tight-knit community that celebrates its farming heritage. Although small, Rolla remains an important part of Morton County’s agricultural production.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rolla is part of the USD 217 Rolla School District, which includes Rolla Junior-Senior High School and Rolla Elementary School. The Rolla City Park provides a central gathering space for community events and recreation, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The town also boasts the Rolla Community Building, which hosts various local activities and serves as a hub for social events. The surrounding farmland is a key feature of Rolla’s landscape, with miles of wheat fields and open prairie. Rolla Days, an annual celebration, brings the community together with parades, barbecues, and agricultural exhibits.
Richfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 40
- Zip Code: 67953
- Latitude: 37.2661° N
- Longitude: 101.7953° W
Location and History
Richfield, located in the northern part of Morton County, was founded in 1885 and once served as the county seat before it was moved to Elkhart. During its early years, Richfield thrived as a small but vibrant community, benefiting from its location on the Santa Fe Trail. Like much of the surrounding region, Richfield was heavily impacted by the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which caused significant hardship for farmers and ranchers. As a result, many residents left, and the town’s population has remained small. Despite its reduced size, Richfield holds historical significance as one of the early settlements in Morton County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Richfield is part of the USD 217 Rolla School District, with students attending schools in nearby Rolla. One of the key landmarks in Richfield is the Richfield Cemetery, which serves as a historical site where many of the town’s early settlers are buried. The Morton County Historical Museum in nearby Elkhart preserves many artifacts and stories related to Richfield’s early history and its role in the county’s development. Additionally, the town is located near the Cimarron National Grassland, offering access to outdoor recreation and nature activities, including hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.
Wilburton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 50
- Zip Code: 67950
- Latitude: 37.1617° N
- Longitude: 101.8850° W
Location and History
Wilburton is a small, unincorporated community in Morton County, situated near Elkhart. Founded in the late 1800s, Wilburton developed as a farming and ranching community, typical of the rural settlements in southwestern Kansas. Like many small towns in the region, its growth was influenced by the agricultural industry and the challenges posed by the Dust Bowl. While Wilburton never developed into a large town, it has remained a small but stable community, with most residents involved in farming and ranching. Its proximity to Elkhart allows residents to access services and amenities in the larger county seat.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wilburton is served by USD 218 Elkhart Public Schools, with students attending schools in nearby Elkhart. Wilburton Church, one of the town’s oldest buildings, serves as a local landmark and community gathering place for social and religious events. The town is also close to the Cimarron National Grassland, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as camping and hiking. The Santa Fe Trail runs through the area, offering historical significance and a glimpse into the town’s past as part of a major transportation route. Although small, Wilburton reflects the agricultural resilience of the region.
Feterita (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: N/A (abandoned)
- Population: 0 (ghost town)
- Zip Code: N/A
- Latitude: 37.0669° N
- Longitude: 101.9172° W
Location and History
Feterita is a ghost town located in southern Morton County, not far from Elkhart. The town was established in the early 20th century, named after the grain “feterita,” which was grown in the area. Feterita developed during a time of agricultural expansion, with settlers hoping to capitalize on the rich soil of southwestern Kansas. However, the Dust Bowl and the economic struggles of the Great Depression led to the town’s decline. By the 1940s, Feterita had been largely abandoned, and today, it stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
As a ghost town, Feterita no longer has schools or active landmarks. However, remnants of its past can still be seen in the form of abandoned buildings, foundations, and old farm equipment. The town’s history is preserved through local accounts and the Morton County Historical Museum in Elkhart, where artifacts and photographs of Feterita’s brief period of activity are displayed. The town’s location near the Cimarron National Grassland provides opportunities for historical exploration, with visitors able to see the landscape that once supported small farming communities like Feterita.