History, Geology and Geography

The area now bounded by Pottawatomie County was inhabited for millennia by a succession of indigenous people. Beginning in the 18th century it became home to the Konza Indian Tribe. By 1847 the area was partly included in the "new" Pottawatomie Indian Reservation of the time, headquartered at St. Marys Mission.

Early European explorers and trappers crossed the county beginning in the 18th century. The Independence branch of the Oregon-California Trail was in use across the county from 1847 until the railroads came. The county was also crossed by the Ft Leavenworth - Ft Riley "road" and the Smoky Hill Trail, prior to the arrival of the railroads in the 1860's.

Robert Wilson was the first settler in what later became the county, settling a claim near Louisville just west of the Pottawatomie Reservation in 1853. The county was first organized and recognized by the LeCompton Territorial Legislature of 1857, some four years before statehood. In 1861 the first two legislators from representing Pottawatomie County were elected to the Kansas State Legislature.

See individual community descriptions for more detailed descriptions of the history of the county.

Flints Hills Tourism Coliation

The Pottawatomie County Economic Development Coproration is pleased to be a partner of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition.  For more information, please visit: www.kansasflinthills.travel.

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Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area 

The Pottawatomie County Economic Deveopment Corporation is pleased to be a partner of the Freedom's Fronter National Heritage Area. For more information, please visit: www.freedomsfrontier.org