Cities and Towns in Trego County, Kansas
Founded in 1867, Trego County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Trego County was formed from unorganized area. The city of WaKeeney is the county seat. With FIPS code of 195, Trego County has a population of 2,793 and area of 888 square miles (2,300 km²).
List of all cities in Trego County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Collyer, KS | 67631 | 785 |
| Ogallah, KS | 67656 | 785 |
| Wa Keeney, KS | 67672 | 785 |
| Wakeeney, KS | 67672 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Trego County, Kansas
WaKeeney
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.78 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67672
- Latitude: 39.0214° N
- Longitude: 99.8831° W
City Location and History
WaKeeney, the county seat of Trego County, is located in northwestern Kansas, along Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 283. Founded in 1879 by Albert Warren and James Keeney, the town’s name is a combination of both founders’ names. WaKeeney was established as a “Queen City of the High Plains” and was strategically placed to take advantage of the railroad expansion westward. The town grew as a commercial and agricultural center, benefiting from its position along major transportation routes. WaKeeney has maintained its role as a vital agricultural hub in the region, with wheat and cattle ranching forming the backbone of its economy.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
WaKeeney is part of Trego USD 208, which includes Trego Community High School and Trego Grade School, providing education for local students and those from surrounding rural areas. The town is known for its historic Trego County Courthouse, built in 1888, a beautiful limestone structure that remains the centerpiece of the community. WaKeeney is also famously known as the “Christmas City of the High Plains,” with a large annual Christmas display that draws visitors from across the state. The town also celebrates its western heritage with events such as the annual Trego County Fair, which features rodeos, parades, and agricultural exhibits, showcasing the area’s rural charm and traditions.
Collyer
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67631
- Latitude: 39.0464° N
- Longitude: 100.1325° W
City Location and History
Collyer is a small town located in the northeastern part of Trego County, Kansas, just north of Interstate 70. The town was established in 1885 and named after Robert Collyer, a prominent Unitarian clergyman from New York. Collyer’s development was tied to the expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad, which helped bring settlers to the region. Like much of Trego County, Collyer’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and livestock ranching. Over time, the town has remained small, preserving its rural atmosphere while continuing to support the agricultural needs of the area.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Collyer is part of the Trego USD 208 school district, with students attending schools in nearby WaKeeney. The town is home to several historic structures, including the St. Michael’s Catholic Church, which was established by early settlers and continues to serve as a central community landmark. The Collyer community is known for its close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere, and local gatherings such as church picnics and holiday celebrations are highlights for residents. Nearby, the rolling plains of western Kansas offer scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hunting and exploring the rural landscape.
Ogallah
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 25 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67656
- Latitude: 39.0042° N
- Longitude: 99.7603° W
City Location and History
Ogallah is a tiny unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of Trego County, Kansas, near Interstate 70 and just a few miles from WaKeeney. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after the Oglala Sioux Native American tribe, reflecting the region’s Native American heritage. Ogallah served as a rural farming settlement, and while it never grew into a large town, it remained a close-knit community centered around agriculture. Today, it is primarily a farming and ranching area, with wheat and cattle ranching still dominating the local economy.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Ogallah is part of the Trego USD 208 school district, with students attending schools in nearby WaKeeney. The town’s most notable landmark is the Ogallah Presbyterian Church, a historic stone church that has served as a spiritual and social center for the community since the early 20th century. The surrounding countryside offers a peaceful rural environment, with open plains and farmland providing opportunities for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities. While Ogallah is a small, quiet place, its proximity to WaKeeney allows residents to enjoy the amenities of the larger town while maintaining a rural lifestyle.
Ellis (Partial)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023 estimate, includes portions in Ellis County)
- Zip Codes: 67637
- Latitude: 38.9403° N
- Longitude: 99.5603° W
City Location and History
Ellis is a city that lies primarily in Ellis County, but its western outskirts extend into Trego County, Kansas. Located along the banks of the Smoky Hill River and positioned just off Interstate 70, Ellis was founded in 1867 as a railroad town by the Union Pacific Railroad. The town quickly grew into a significant center for trade and transportation, serving the agricultural communities in the surrounding area. Notably, Ellis was the childhood home of Walter P. Chrysler, the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, and the town takes pride in its connection to the automotive pioneer.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Ellis is part of the Ellis USD 388 school district, which includes Ellis High School and Washington Grade School. The Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum is one of the town’s key attractions, showcasing Chrysler’s early life and achievements. Ellis also features the Ellis Railroad Museum, which highlights the town’s history as a key stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. With its scenic location along the Smoky Hill River, Ellis provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, camping, and hiking, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors. The annual Ellis River Festival celebrates the town’s heritage with food, music, and local crafts.
Banner (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: N/A (ghost town)
- Population: Uninhabited (ghost town)
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude: 38.9264° N
- Longitude: 99.9220° W
City Location and History
Banner is a ghost town in the southwestern part of Trego County, Kansas. Founded in the late 19th century, Banner once served as a small farming community that grew around the wheat and livestock industries that were typical of the region. The town was never large, and its population dwindled as the railroad bypassed the area and larger towns like WaKeeney and Ellis became regional hubs. By the mid-20th century, Banner had been abandoned, leaving only remnants of its past behind, including the ruins of old buildings and homesteads.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
As a ghost town, Banner no longer has schools, and its residents either moved to nearby towns or left the area altogether. The remains of Banner are a quiet reminder of Kansas’ agricultural history and the challenges faced by small, rural communities during times of economic change and westward expansion. The area around Banner offers scenic views of the Kansas plains, and visitors to the region may find interest in exploring the old townsite and imagining life in the once-thriving community. Nearby attractions in WaKeeney and Ellis provide additional historical context for those interested in the area’s pioneer past.