Atchison County, Kansas

Atchison County sits along the Missouri River in the northeast corner of Kansas. It is best known as the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, and the community celebrates her legacy with a major festival in July held in her honor.

Train enthusiasts can explore the Atchison Railroad Museum, while those interested in the supernatural often visit the famous Sallie House. Warnock Lake is also a great spot for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

With about 16,000 residents, Atchison County offers a comfortable balance between small-town living and plenty of local attractions. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this unique county has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

CategoryDetails
County NameAtchison County
County SeatAtchison
Population16,500
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesAtchison, Effingham, Huron, and several smaller communities
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 73, U.S. Highway 36, Kansas Highway 7
FIPS Code20-005
Total Area (Land and Water)567 square miles (land: 560 sq mi, water: 7 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Doniphan County (North), Buchanan County, Missouri (Northeast), Leavenworth County (Southeast), Platte County, Missouri (East), Jefferson County (South), Jackson County (West), Brown County (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateKansas
Coordinates39.56°N, 95.13°W
EtymologyNamed after David Rice Atchison, a U.S. Senator from Missouri
Major LandmarksAtchison County Historical Society Museum, Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, and the Atchison County Courthouse
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