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
El Dorado, Kansas - City of the Arts
ART GALLERIES Commerce Bank Atrium Gallery Circle Gallery & Frame Shop Gift Horse Farm - Gallery & Gardens Bill Walton Studio & Art Gallery Erman B. White Gallery Time-Light Images Gallery & Frame Studio ART STUDIOS Coutts Artist's Downtown Studio's Including - Jim Clements, artist
El Dorado, KS ArtsAugusta 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 MuseumsMissouri-Pacific Depot
The El Dorado Missouri-Pacific Depot began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with news being brought in by train and other news transferred by the telegraph located at the depot.
El Dorado, KS Railroad HistoryPost Office Mural
The U.S. Treasury Department commissioned the oil mural, "Kansas Gusher" by Donald Silks which has been placed on the National Register
Augusta, KS ArtsButler County Courthouse
The historic Butler County Courthouse was built in 1909. Its Romanesque Style was designed by famed architect, George P. Washburn. Its terrazzo floors are still intact and reflect its elegant history. The first woman jury in Kansas met here in 1912.
El Dorado, KS Historic CourthousesVickers 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 History