Rossville, Kansas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rossville is a city in Shawnee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 1,014 at the 2000 census.

1 The Founding of Rossville, Kansas
2 Geography
3 Demographics
4 Education in Rossville
5 Local Businesses
- 5.1 Restaurants
6 Famous People from Rossville
7 External links

[edit] The Founding of Rossville, Kansas

Taken from here

In 1848, William W. Ross and some pioneers settled near the St. Marys Catholic Mission, now present- day St. Marys, Kansas. The pioneers came on the California and Oregon road. But a few entered the Potawatomi Indian Reservation and settled by what Indians called Metsepa (cross). They called it this because the creek's junction with the Kansas River resembled a cross. Soon after their arrival Francis Bergeon, Anthony Tacier, and Lawton Nasseau built a bridge across the creek. William Dyer built a small log trading post. It was the first trading post in the township. The first school in the township was taught by Mrs. Gibson Metty. In a little log cabin near the creek about 15 student, half white and half Indian were the first to attend. Dr. Robert S. Gabby was the first to be appointed as Justice of the Peace. He was also the first physician. These pioneers were about to become the first citizens of Rossville.

By the provision of the treaty of 1861, the Indians moved to the new reservation in Jackson County. At this time there were a few shanties and a small farm. The people living here were Anthony Navarre, Sonaneque, his wife, James Doheny, and Lewis Bellaire, and their families. Anthony Navarre decided to purchase 100 acres of this land. He was the original proprietor. The town site was surveyed by J.B. Whittaker. Edna was originally selected as the towns name, but later decided Rossville after William W. Ross. In June 1881, Rossville was issued as a city of the third class. The first city election was held on June, 27th, 1881. H.H. Miller was elected the first mayor of Rossville. A new post office building was built in July 1881. A.C. Sherman was the first postmaster. The steam mills were operated by the Mulvane Brothers. It had a capacity of seventy-four barrels a day. The Maxwell House was the first hotel, it was owned by S.B. Maxwell. The town in 1882 had five general stores: C.W Higgenbotham's, Kerr & Allen, Peter Shearer, Isaac Larrance, and A. Urbansky's branch store. The Sherman Brothers owned the first hardware store and J.T. Olmstead was the very first shoemaker. George E. Cooke, Richard Mason, and W.S. Templin were the blacksmith's in 1882. George Bushor was the harness-maker. The physician of the town was Dr. Gabbey. W. Sherman was the attorney at law. The Kansas Valley Times was owned and edited by Leroy Sedgwick. He moved the Times from St. Marys to Rossville in 1879. He stayed in Rossville until he moved to Topeka in 1882.

[edit] Geography

Rossville is located at 39°8′12″N, 95°57′5″W (39.136559, -95.951255)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.3 km² (0.5 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,014 people, 383 households, and 279 families residing in the city. The population density was 799.0/km² (2,075.2/mi²). There were 411 housing units at an average density of 323.9/km² (841.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.48% White, 1.68% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.89% from other races, and 2.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.37% of the population.

There were 383 households out of which 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,118, and the median income for a family was $53,333. Males had a median income of $37,917 versus $25,347 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,103. About 2.2% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Education in Rossville

Rossville is located in the Kaw Valley Unified School District Number 321. Kaw Valley coming from the area that the school district is in. Kaw Valley serves portions of the Tri-County area which includes Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie Counties. As well as portions of Jackson County. Kaw Valley serves the following cities: Emment, Rossville, Saint Marys, and Deila. Kaw Valley

[edit] Local Businesses

[edit] Restaurants

Swirly Top
215 East Highway 24
Rossville, KS 66533
(785) 584-6301

The Swirly Top, affectionaly referred to as Twisty Creams by residents, has been Rossville's favorite restaurant for years. Locals enjoy the friendly service and homemade food.