Cloud County, KS
Stained Glass Capitol of KansasBe dazzled by the kaleidoscope of colors in a self-guided tour of stained glass windows in churches throughout the county. Don't miss the historic Brown Grand Theatre and Nazareth Convent in Concordia. Pum water by the windmill inside the Cloud County Historical Museum in the old Carnegie Library in Concordia. Walk across the stone arch bridge in Rice and savor the quiet. Watch migratory birds at the Jamestown Waterfowl Area or bald eagles on the Republican River. Feast your eyes on spectacular sunsets. Enjoy the relaxed, uncrowded, friendly atmosphere of Cloud County in North Central Kansas.
Cloud County history began in controversy, first over the name of the county and then over the location of the county seat. When the township was first formed in 1859 it was named Shirley by Riley County territorial legislator, D.L. Chandler, after Massachusett's Governor Shirley. However, rumor ran that the name referred to a lady of questionable character from the Ft. Riley area, so a bill was passed to change the name in honor of Col. William F. Cloud, a highly respected Civil War officer of the 2nd Kansas Cavalry.
The town of Clyde located on the north side of the Republican River was established and a logical site for the county seat. However, when the industrious James Hagaman decided to build and develop in Clyde, the city fathers dubiously modified their original transaction, and Hagaman vied he would never let Clyde become the county seat and took out his claim south of the river, founded Concordia, and developed it to become the permament county seat.
Explore Cloud County
Cloud County Historical Museum
The Museum preserves and exhibits objects and documents of historical items representing early-day Kansas. It is housed in the former 1908
Concordia, KS MuseumsNational Orphan Train Complex
Between 1854 and 1929 over 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and homeless children were relocated from New York and 'placed out' all across the US. The Orphan Train Movement is one of the largest social reform relocation efforts in our nation'
Concordia, KS MuseumsCloud County Stained Glass Tour
Have fun on your self-guided tour visiting these sites by yourself or in a group. Detailed maps will show you the way. Call the Brown Grand Theatre, 785-243-2553 for details.
Concordia
Concordia, KS Tours
Harris Building
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally build as a bank, until recently it housed the offices of the Harris's playground equipment company. It has recently been purchased by Dr. Wentz who is in the process of preserving this beautiful building.
Concordia, KS Historic BuildingsThe Brown Grand Theater
The historic Brown Grand Theatre is located at the west end of downtown Concordia. Listed on the National Historic Register, the French Renaissance theater was built by Col. Napoleon Bonaparte Brown in 1906-07. The 650
Concordia, KS Historic TheatresNazareth Motherhouse
Known as the beacon light of Concordia, the well-known rose window looks over the community from the convent. It is the official Motherhouse and Home for the 260 Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia. It was built in 1903 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites
Concordia, KS Historic ChurchesThe Whole Wall Mural
Big Brick, Big Wall, Big WOW! "How did they do that?" "I've never noticed this before!" What was once a nondescript wall that vehicles whizzed by on their way through Concordia on US 81
Concordia, KS MuralsFrank Carlson Memorial Library
The library contains the Frank Carlson Room that exhitits memorabilia from Carlson's experiences as a legislator, congressman, governor, and U.S. Senator.
Concordia, KS MemorialsCamp Concordia
From 1943 to 1945 during WWII over 4,000 Germans were held in an internment camp where they experienced a type of freedom they had never known at home. Located on 157.5 acres, Camp Concordia consisted of 308 buildings. Today, a guard tower, guard post building, water tower base and building T-9
Concordia, KS Military HistoryConcordia Country Club
Open to the public each Tuesday; out of county may play anytime. Grass Greens.
Concordia, KS Golf CoursesCity Parks
City Parks
City Park - 11th & Cedar - Basketball courts, tennis courts, playground equipment, municipal swimming pool, Culley ball field, shelter houses, picnic tables, BBQ grills.