Thomas County, Kansas
Thomas County is located in northwest Kansas, with Colby serving as the main town. It’s high plains country, mostly flat with a few gentle hills.
Colby has a community college, giving it a little more activity than some other small towns. The county is also home to the interesting Prairie Museum of Art and History.
Farming is the main industry here, with plenty of wheat and some cattle. Summers are hot, while winters can be freezing and bring some serious snowstorms. Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 24 cross paths here, making the county easy to reach.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Thomas County |
| County Seat | Colby |
| Etymology | Named after George Henry Thomas, prominent Union Civil War general |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Colby (county seat), Oakley, Rexford, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 24, U.S. Highway 83 |
| FIPS Code | 20-193 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,339 square miles (land: 2,335 sq mi, water: 4 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Rawlins County (North), Decatur County (Northeast), Sheridan County (East), Gove County (Southeast), Logan County (South), Sherman County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 7,500 |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 39.37°N, 101.05°W |
| Major Landmarks | Prairie Museum of Art and History, Thomas County Fairgrounds, and the Monument Rocks (chalk formations) |
