Cities and Towns in Pottawatomie County, Kansas
Founded in 1857, Pottawatomie County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Pottawatomie County was formed from Calhoun and Riley. The city of Westmoreland is the county seat. With FIPS code of 149, Pottawatomie County has a population of 25,790 and area of 844 square miles (2,186 km²).
List of all cities in Pottawatomie County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Belvue, KS | 66407 | 785 |
| Blaine, KS | 66549 | 785 |
| Duluth, KS | 66521 | 785 |
| Emmett, KS | 66422 | 785 |
| Fostoria, KS | 66426 | 785 |
| Havensville, KS | 66432 | 785 |
| Louisville, KS | 66547 | 785 |
| Olsburg, KS | 66520 | 785 |
| Onaga, KS | 66521 | 785 |
| Saint George, KS | 66535 | 785 |
| Saint Marys, KS | 66536 | 785 |
| Wamego, KS | 66547 | 785 |
| Westmoreland, KS | 66426 | 785 |
| 66549 | 785 | |
| Wheaton, KS | 66521 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pottawatomie County, Kansas
Wamego
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.43 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66547
- Latitude: 39.2033° N
- Longitude: 96.3078° W
Location and History
Wamego is located in eastern Pottawatomie County, along the Kansas River, approximately 15 miles east of Manhattan. Founded in 1866, Wamego grew quickly as a stop on the Kansas Pacific Railway. The town’s name originates from a Potawatomi Native American chief, reflecting the area’s early indigenous history. Wamego developed as an agricultural and commercial hub, benefiting from its fertile lands and proximity to the Kansas River. The town experienced growth through the 20th century due to its thriving agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism industries. Today, Wamego is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong ties to local history, including its association with The Wizard of Oz.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wamego is part of USD 320, which includes Wamego High School, Wamego Middle School, and Central Elementary School. The town’s most famous landmark is the Oz Museum, a tribute to The Wizard of Oz that attracts visitors from around the world. Other key landmarks include the Columbian Theatre, which offers live performances and art exhibits, and the Wamego City Park, home to the Dutch Mill, an iconic windmill brought from the Netherlands. Wamego also hosts the annual Tulip Festival and 4th of July fireworks show, one of the largest in Kansas, making it a vibrant center for both residents and tourists.
St. Marys
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66536
- Latitude: 39.1931° N
- Longitude: 96.0644° W
Location and History
St. Marys is located in southern Pottawatomie County, near the Kansas River and about 25 miles west of Topeka. The town was founded in 1869 and named after the nearby St. Marys Mission, a Jesuit mission established in the 1840s to serve the Potawatomi Native Americans. The mission eventually grew into the town of St. Marys, which became a center for education and religion. The presence of St. Mary’s College and its Jesuit tradition helped shape the town’s development. Agriculture, particularly wheat and corn farming, became a vital part of the local economy. St. Marys retains its strong Catholic roots, evident in the town’s architecture and community life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Marys is part of USD 321, which includes St. Marys High School, St. Marys Junior High School, and St. Marys Grade School. St. Marys Academy and College, run by the Society of St. Pius X, also play a significant role in the community, providing education from elementary through college level. Notable landmarks include the Immaculate Conception Church and the historic bell tower of the original St. Marys College. The town also features Riverside Park, which offers recreational activities and hosts community events. St. Marys’ annual fair and parades reflect its tight-knit community spirit, with a blend of cultural, religious, and agricultural traditions.
Onaga
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.70 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66521
- Latitude: 39.4908° N
- Longitude: 96.1675° W
Location and History
Onaga is located in northeastern Pottawatomie County, about 40 miles northeast of Manhattan. The town was founded in 1877 and was named after a Potawatomi word meaning “council place.” Onaga’s early development was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad, which connected the town to larger markets and helped it grow as an agricultural hub. Wheat, corn, and cattle farming were central to Onaga’s economy, and the town became a local center for trade and services to nearby farms. Despite its small size, Onaga has retained a strong community identity and remains an important agricultural town in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Onaga is served by USD 322, which includes Onaga High School and Onaga Grade School. Key landmarks in the town include the Onaga Historical Museum, which showcases local history and the town’s agricultural heritage. Another important site is the Onaga City Park, which offers recreational facilities, including sports fields and playgrounds. The town celebrates its rural traditions with annual events such as the Onaga Summer Festival, which features parades, live entertainment, and local food vendors. The nearby Vermillion River provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities, contributing to the town’s appeal as a peaceful rural community.
Westmoreland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.82 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66549
- Latitude: 39.3939° N
- Longitude: 96.4139° W
Location and History
Westmoreland, the county seat of Pottawatomie County, is located in the Flint Hills region, about 30 miles northeast of Manhattan. Established in 1871, Westmoreland was named after Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, and grew as a small farming community. The town became the county seat due to its central location, and its economy has long been based on agriculture, with wheat, soybeans, and livestock playing key roles. Over time, Westmoreland has developed into a quiet, rural town with a strong connection to the surrounding Flint Hills landscape, known for its rolling hills and scenic beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Westmoreland is served by Rock Creek USD 323, with students attending Westmoreland Elementary School and Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School in nearby St. George. The town’s key landmarks include the Pottawatomie County Courthouse, a historic building constructed in 1884, which continues to serve as the center of local government. The Westmoreland City Park is a popular spot for community events, offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. Westmoreland hosts the annual Independence Day Celebration, which includes parades, fireworks, and community picnics. The nearby Oregon Trail Nature Park offers hiking trails and historical markers that commemorate the pioneers who traveled through the region.
St. George
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66535
- Latitude: 39.1931° N
- Longitude: 96.4169° W
Location and History
St. George is located in southeastern Pottawatomie County, along the banks of the Kansas River and about 10 miles east of Manhattan. Established in 1857, St. George is one of the oldest towns in the county and originally served as a ferry crossing on the river. The town grew slowly due to its location in the Kansas River floodplain, but it maintained its importance as a local farming and trading center. Agriculture has historically been the backbone of St. George’s economy, with wheat, corn, and soybeans being the primary crops. In recent years, the town has experienced growth due to its proximity to Manhattan and Fort Riley, making it an attractive place for commuters.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. George is part of Rock Creek USD 323, with students attending Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School, located just outside the town, and St. George Elementary School. One of the town’s main landmarks is the St. George City Park, which offers playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sports facilities. St. George also features the historic Blue Vista Bridge, which spans the Kansas River and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The town hosts community events such as the St. George Days festival, which includes parades, local vendors, and family activities, fostering a sense of community pride and connection.
Olsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 66520
- Latitude: 39.4264° N
- Longitude: 96.6170° W
Location and History
Olsburg, located in northern Pottawatomie County, was founded in 1880 by Swedish immigrants and named after a town in Sweden. The town developed as an agricultural community, with wheat, corn, and livestock farming providing the backbone of the local economy. Olsburg’s location near the scenic Flint Hills and the Big Blue River contributed to its agricultural success. The town’s Swedish heritage is still evident in its local traditions and cultural practices. Though small in size, Olsburg has maintained its rural charm and serves as a quiet residential community surrounded by farmland and natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Olsburg is part of Blue Valley USD 384, with students attending schools in nearby Randolph. The town’s key landmarks include the Olsburg Lutheran Church, which has been a central part of the community since the late 19th century, reflecting the town’s Swedish roots. The Olsburg City Park offers recreational facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. Each year, the town celebrates its heritage with Olsburg’s Swedish Festival, featuring traditional Swedish food, music, and cultural displays. The nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking, contributing to Olsburg’s appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
