Butler County, KS
Butler County has been a rich cattle grazing land since the 1860s. As early as 1857, the first pioneers looked down on the beautiful Walnut River valley and decided to make it home. At the center of the Flint Hills, the area has changed little since Captain Zebulon Pike noted the hills covered with flint rock cobbles during his 1806 expedition across Kansas. The Name "Flint Hills" had identified the region ever since.Since the beginning a lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and western style living has entertained and amazed the area traveler. The first cattle drives began in Texas during 1865 when animals were driven to Kansas railroads through the Flint Hills. By 1885 the wild Texas cattle drives were over and 5 million cattle had passed through the Hills on their journey to eastern markets. The era of custom grazing of out-of-state cattle began, and today over 1 million head of cattle are fattened annually on the lush pasture land.
The peaceful tranquility of the region changed forever when oil was discovered near El Dorado in 1915.
Cattle grazing and bottom land farming gave way to the mixed economy of beef and black gold.
Several area driving tours are available for the interest of the photographer, bird watcher, fossil hunter, antique lover, fisherman or amateur historian. So treat yourself to one of the best kept secret in the land - Butler County, where rich history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure abound.
Explore Butler County
Old Frisco Wooden Water Tower
Built in 1885 for Frisco Railroad steam engines in Beaumont, the water tower provided water for the railroad roundhouse and cattle shipping operation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the oldest wooden water tower still operating in America.
Beaumont, KS Railroad HistoryAugusta Historical Museum
The Augusta Historical Museum houses over 30 exhibits of regional history. Visit the two-story log cabin on its original site which served as post office, general store, and school. The Museum offers rotating exhibits covering time era from the mid 1800s throughout the 1940
Augusta, KS MuseumsButler County History Center HomeKansas Oil Museum
The Butler County Historical Society portrays our county's unique history. The museum consists of an indoor exhibit building and nine acres of outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits are divided into two areas: Oil field equipment and the K.T. Wiedemann Living History Park. More than 20
El Dorado, KS MuseumsEl Dorado Broncos
The El Dorado Broncos are the summer collegiate baseball team in El Dorado. The team plays a 50-plus game schedule during June, July and August. They play all of their home games at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado. The team moved to El Dorado in 1996
El Dorado, KS RecreationVickers Oil Refinery
The Vickers first refinery was built in Potwin in 1915. During the first half of the twentieth century, Potwin enjoyed the prosperity of the Vickers Oil refinery. Commencing with a lease on the Parris Farm 10 miles north of Potwin, production reached 16,000 barrels a day during the late 50's. In 196
Potwin, KS Oil HistorySanta Fe Lake
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.
Augusta, KS LakesKansas Museum of Military History
With exhibit space of 16,500 sq. ft., the Kansas Museum of Military History houses a collection of military vehicles, uniforms, and airplanes. You'll experience and learn about Kansans in military confrontations from Indian Wars through the current Iraq War.
Augusta, KS MuseumsRock Creek Stone Arch Bridge
Turn back the clock and drive across this graceful old bridge built in the 1880
Latham, KS Historic Bridges