Cowley County, Kansas is located in the south-central region of the state and covers an area of 883 square miles. The county seat is Winfield, and the county is named after Matthew Cowley, a Civil War veteran.
The geography of Cowley County ranges from rolling hills to flat plains. The Arkansas River runs through the county, providing a source of recreation for locals and visitors alike. The terrain becomes more rugged towards the east, with high hills and bluffs along the river’s course.
The climate in Cowley County is classified as humid continental. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the mid-90s during July and August. Winters are cold with occasional snowfall during December through February. Average annual precipitation is around 30 inches, most of which falls during spring and summer months.
As of 2019, Cowley County had an estimated population of 36,000 people spread across its 20 townships. About 76% of residents are white, 17% Hispanic or Latino, 3% African American, 1% Native American or Alaska Native, 2% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1% other races or two or more races combined. About two-thirds of residents identify as Christian while 11 percent identify as non-religious or atheist/agnostic.
The economy in Cowley County is based on agriculture including wheat farming and cattle ranching; manufacturing including food processing plants; health care; education; retail trade; construction; transportation; finance; government services; professional services such as accounting firms; hospitality services such as tourism industry; real estate services such as leasing agents; utilities such as electricity providers; communication services such as internet providers; media outlets including radio stations and newspapers; and religious organizations including churches.
Cowley County also has a rich cultural heritage that includes historical sites like Old Stone Church built in 1876 near Dexter, several museums including Museum at Old Mill Creek near Arkansas City, nationally registered historic sites like Creswell House near Winfield, several wineries, art galleries, theaters, golf courses, parks, campgrounds, trails for hiking and biking. There’s also an annual county fair held every September in Winfield that attracts thousands of visitors from all over Kansas.
In sum, Cowley County offers something for everyone – from outdoor recreation to historical sites to cultural experiences – making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Economy of Cowley County, Kansas
Cowley County, Kansas is a thriving rural economy situated in the south-central region of the state. The county encompasses over 800 square miles, and is home to approximately 35,000 people. Cowley County’s economy is largely driven by agriculture and manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on providing a quality of life for its citizens. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with corn, wheat and soybeans being grown in abundance. Livestock production is also an important component of the county’s agricultural sector. Manufacturing also plays a significant role in the local economy, with several large companies based in Cowley County including John Deere and Case New Holland. These companies employ many local residents and provide valuable goods to both domestic and international markets. Additionally, Cowley County has seen an increase in tourism due to its proximity to Wichita and other nearby cities. The county has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, fishing and boating at nearby Lake Winfield Scott State Park as well as golfing at several area courses. This influx of tourists has served to provide jobs for many locals as well as economic benefits for businesses throughout Cowley County. In addition to these industries, Cowley County also boasts a variety of service-related businesses that help drive the local economy forward; these include healthcare providers such as hospitals and clinics; educational institutions such as universities; financial services firms; retail stores; restaurants; hotels; entertainment venues; transportation services; technology companies; government agencies; small business owners; and more. All together, these different sectors have helped make Cowley County one of the most prosperous regions in Kansas.
Libraries in Cowley County, Kansas
According to babyinger, Cowley County, Kansas is home to an impressive selection of libraries that serve to enrich the lives of its citizens. Located throughout the county are three library systems, each with multiple branches. The Winfield Public Library serves the city of Winfield and is the largest library system in Cowley County, with four branches located throughout the community. The Arkansas City Public Library serves the city of Arkansas City and has two branches offering a variety of materials for patrons. The Cowley County Public Library System has two branches in Udall and Burden, providing access to books, magazines, DVDs, audio books and more. All three library systems offer a variety of services such as computer labs with internet access, free wifi hotspots, study rooms and meeting spaces for community events. Additionally, each library system provides a range of programs for patrons ranging from book clubs to children’s story times; there are also special events held throughout the year such as author visits and movie nights. Cowley County’s libraries are important resources for lifelong learning and provide access to knowledge on a wide range of topics from math and science to history and literature. Libraries also offer diverse collections including books in Spanish as well as large print editions for those who need it; many libraries also have collections specifically designed for children. Above all else, Cowley County’s libraries bring people together in an atmosphere that encourages learning and exploration while providing access to information that can help people grow intellectually as well as emotionally.
Landmarks in Cowley County, Kansas
Cowley County, Kansas is home to a number of impressive landmarks that serve to illustrate the cultural and historical significance of the area. The most notable landmark in Cowley County is the historic Cowley County Courthouse located in Winfield, which was built in 1883 and is an important symbol of the county’s history. Other notable landmarks in Cowley County include the Arkansas City Public Library, which was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Beaumont Hotel, which has been operating since 1878 as one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Kansas; and Stone’s Throw Winery, which has been producing award-winning wines since 1997. See EHOTELAT for hotels in Kansas.
For those interested in exploring Cowley County’s history, there are several museums that offer insight into its past. The Arkansas City Museum contains a variety of artifacts from early settlers as well as Native American tribes who lived throughout the area; it also contains exhibits on local businesses and industries that have shaped Cowley County over time. The Udall Museum showcases artifacts from early settlers including tools, clothing, furniture and photographs; it also offers a range of educational programming for visitors. Additionally, there are several historic sites scattered throughout Cowley County such as Old Sumner Cemetery which is home to gravesites dating back to 1865.
In addition to these historical landmarks, there are also numerous recreational activities available for visitors to enjoy. Boating enthusiasts can explore Lake Winfield Scott or any one of the other lakes located within Cowley County while golfers can take advantage of some of Kansas’ best courses at Winfield Country Club or Arkansas City Country Club. Visitors can also take part in outdoor activities such as hiking or biking along any one of the many trails that wind through cow pastures and wooded areas throughout Cowley County.
Cowley County offers something for everyone with its wide array of historical landmarks and recreational activities; it’s truly an ideal destination for those looking for a unique experience right here in Kansas.