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El Dorado, Kansas

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.

Both freight and passengers passed through the station. With the discovery of oil in 1915, population soared and the need for a new and larger depot became more urgent. On January 29, 1918, workmen moved the old wooden depot about 150 feet to the east to allow for excavation of the new brick structure.

The Depot was also center in many memories of local men and women who went off to two World Wars. For many soldiers, the Depot was the last view of El Dorado as they boarded the train bound for army camps and later Europe. For those fortunate enough to return, the Depot was also the first look at home, where large crowds of loved ones and friends anxiously awaited.

With the cessation of use in the 50s, the depot fell into disrepair and there was talk of tearing it down. In January of 1992, the Friends of the Depot group was formed to restore and renovate the old building then owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. The building renovation was dedicated in 1996 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Stapleton #1 Historic Well Site

El Dorado became, for a while, the world's storybook oil field. Butler County encompassed 1,800 producing oil wells on 25,000 acres. The El Dorado Field is a story of men and events that helped Kansas and the nation emerge from the draft-horse and kerosene-lamp years into the gasoline age. "

El Dorado, KS Historic Markers

El 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 Recreation

El Dorado Civic Center

Reservations for your meeting, banquet or workshop is as easy as one, two, three.

El Dorado, KS Civic Centers

Butler 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 Museums

Butler 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 Courthouses

Things to do near El Dorado, KS

Abilene Walking Tour

The best way to see the entire one hundred years Abilene's growth along North Buckeye, Northwest Third and North Vine Streets...