Cities and Towns in Wallace County, Kansas
Founded in 1868, Wallace County is one of 105 counties in the state of Kansas. Historically, Wallace County was formed from unorganized area. The city of Sharon Springs is the county seat. With FIPS code of 199, Wallace County has a population of 1,508 and area of 914 square miles (2,367 km²).
List of all cities in Wallace County, KS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Sharon Springs, KS | 67758 | 785 |
| Wallace, KS | 67761 | 785 |
| Weskan, KS | 67762 | 785 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wallace County, Kansas
Sharon Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.77 square miles
- Population: Approximately 750 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67758
- Latitude: 38.8953° N
- Longitude: 101.7525° W
City Location and History
Sharon Springs is the county seat of Wallace County, located in the western part of Kansas near the Colorado border. The town is situated along U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70, making it an important stop for travelers in the region. Sharon Springs was founded in the late 19th century as a railroad town, named after Sharon Springs, New York. The town’s development was largely driven by the arrival of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, which brought settlers and helped establish Sharon Springs as a center for agriculture and ranching. The town grew steadily throughout the early 20th century, and agriculture continues to be the primary economic driver in the region.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Sharon Springs is part of Wallace County Schools USD 241, which includes Wallace County High School and Sharon Springs Elementary School. The schools serve as central pillars of the community, offering various academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the Wallace County Courthouse, a historical building that reflects the town’s heritage. Sharon Springs also hosts the annual Wallace County Fair, featuring rodeos, livestock exhibitions, and other events that celebrate the region’s agricultural roots. Another key attraction is Fort Wallace Museum, located nearby, which provides insights into the area’s history as part of the American frontier and military outpost.
Wallace
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 60 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67761
- Latitude: 38.9139° N
- Longitude: 101.5939° W
City Location and History
Wallace is a small town located in Wallace County, Kansas, along U.S. Route 40, not far from the Colorado border. The town is named after Fort Wallace, a military outpost established in the 1860s to protect settlers and travelers along the Smoky Hill Trail during the Indian Wars. Wallace itself was founded shortly after the fort, growing as a service point for travelers and a support community for the military installation. After the fort closed in the late 19th century, Wallace remained a small agricultural town, with farming and ranching continuing to support its economy. The town’s rich history is closely tied to the early days of the American West.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Wallace is part of Wallace County Schools USD 241, with students attending schools in nearby Sharon Springs. The town is home to one of the most significant historical sites in the region, the Fort Wallace Museum. The museum preserves the history of Fort Wallace and the town’s frontier past, with exhibits on the U.S. cavalry, Native American history, and early settlers. Additionally, Wallace is near the site of the famous Beecher Island Battle, where U.S. soldiers and Native American warriors clashed in 1868. The town also celebrates its history annually with local events that bring the community together.
Weskan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 67762
- Latitude: 38.8775° N
- Longitude: 102.0411° W
City Location and History
Weskan is located in the western part of Wallace County, Kansas, near the Kansas-Colorado border. Founded in the late 19th century, Weskan was established as a small farming community that benefited from the region’s fertile plains and proximity to the railroad. The town’s name is derived from “Western Kansas,” reflecting its location in the state. Weskan’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching, which continue to be the primary industries today. Despite its small size, Weskan has maintained a strong sense of community, with many families having lived in the area for generations.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
Weskan is served by Weskan Schools USD 242, which includes Weskan High School and Weskan Elementary School. The schools are central to the town’s identity, offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs that support student development. One of the most notable landmarks in Weskan is the Weskan Grain Elevator, a testament to the town’s agricultural history. The surrounding countryside provides stunning views of Kansas’ open plains, and the area is popular among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Weskan hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including local fairs and gatherings that celebrate the town’s rural heritage and close-knit community spirit.
The Town of Arapahoe (Ghost Town)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: N/A (historical town, no formal boundaries remain)
- Population: Uninhabited (ghost town)
- Zip Codes: N/A
- Latitude: 38.9083° N
- Longitude: 101.5744° W
City Location and History
Arapahoe is a ghost town located in Wallace County, Kansas, near the site of Fort Wallace. It was established in the late 1800s as a small settlement that sprang up to support the nearby fort and the growing number of settlers in the area. Named after the Arapaho Native American tribe, the town was once a bustling community with shops, homes, and a post office. However, after Fort Wallace was decommissioned and railroad routes shifted, Arapahoe gradually declined. By the early 20th century, most of the town’s residents had moved away, leaving behind only remnants of its past.
Major Schools, Landmarks, and Attractions
As a ghost town, Arapahoe no longer has functioning schools or public institutions. However, the area around the former town site remains an important historical landmark for those interested in the early days of Kansas settlement and frontier life. Visitors to the nearby Fort Wallace Museum can explore artifacts and exhibits related to Arapahoe’s short-lived history. Though little remains of the town today, its proximity to Fort Wallace and the surrounding historical sites make it a point of interest for historians and tourists interested in the history of the American West.
