Wichita, Kansas

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Wichita, Kansas
Skyline of Wichita, Kansas
Official flag of Wichita, Kansas
Flag
Nickname: "The Air Capital, The Peerless City"
Location in the state of Kansas
Location in the state of Kansas
County Sedgwick
Government
 - Mayor Carlos Mayans
Area
 - City 359.8 km²  (138.9 sq mi)
 - Land 351.6 km² (135.8 sq mi)
 - Water 8.2 km² (3.2 sq mi)
Website: http://www.wichitagov.org/

Wichita, also known as the Air Capital of the World, is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas, as well as a major aircraft manufacturing hub and cultural center. In July of 2006, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Wichita ninth on its list of the 10 best big cities to live in the United States. The city is home to six major aircraft manufacturing companies and McConnell Air Force Base. Wichita is located in South Central Kansas on the Arkansas River, and is the county seat of Sedgwick County.

Wichita is the 51st largest city in the United States with an estimated population of 354,865 in the year 2005. The Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, and Sumner counties, has a 2004 estimated population of 584,671 persons residing in 245,159 households, making it the 82nd largest MSA in the United States. The Wichita-Winfield Combined Statistical Area also includes Cowley County and has an estimated population of 618,641.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Wichita is located at 37°41′20″N, 97°20′10″W (37.688848, -97.336226).GR1

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 138.9 mi² (359.8 km²). 135.8 mi² (351.6 km²) of it is land and 3.2 mi² (8.2 km²) of it (2.29%) is water.

The city was founded at the confluence of the Arkansas (pronounced locally as "ahr-KAN-zuhs") and Little Arkansas rivers. The Arkansas river runs on to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it becomes navigable by large boats.

[edit] Climate

Over the course of a year, temperatures range from an average low of about 20°F (-8°C) in January to an average high of nearly 93°F (34°C) in July. The maximum temperature reaches 90°F (32°C) an average of 64 days per year and reaches 100°F (38°C) an average of 14 days per year. The minimum temperature falls below 32°F (0°C) an average of 108 days per year. Typically the first fall freeze occurs between the second week of October and mid-November, and the last spring freeze occurs between the end of March and the final week of April.

The area receives over 30 inches (760 mm) of precipitation during an average year with the largest share being received in May and June—with a combined 21 days of measurable precipitation. During a typical year the total amount of precipitation may be anywhere from 22 to 40 inches (560 to 1020 mm). There are on average 88 days of measurable precipitation per year. Winter snowfall averages almost 17 inches (44 cm), but the median is less than 8 inches (25 cm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of 11 days per year with at least an inch of snow being received on five of those days. Snow depth of at least an inch occurs an average of 18 days per year.

Source: Monthly Station Climate Summaries, 1971-2000, U.S. National Climatic Data Center
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Temperatures (°F)
Mean high 40.1 47.2 57.3 66.9 76.0 87.1 92.9 91.6 82.2 70.2 54.5 43.1 67.4
Mean low 20.3 25.3 34.4 43.7 54.0 63.9 69.1 67.9 59.3 46.9 33.9 24.0 45.2
Highest recorded 75
(1967)		 87
(1996)		 89
(1989)		 96
(1972)		 100
(1996)		 110
(1980)		 113
(1954)		 110
(1984)		 108
(2000)		 95
(1979)		 85
(1980)		 83
(1955)		 113
(1954)
Lowest recorded −21
(1982)		 −21
(1982)		 −2
(1960)		 15
(1975)		 31
(1976)		 43
(1969)		 51
(1975)		 48
(1967)		 31
(1984)		 18
(1993)		 1
(1975)		 −16
(1989)		 −21
(1982)
Precipitation (inches)
Median 0.63 0.62 2.13 2.32 3.25 3.72 3.76 2.16 2.09 1.95 1.81 1.01 29.62
Mean number of days 5.4 5.4 8.1 8.5 11.2 9.7 7.2 7.6 7.2 6.4 5.8 5.7 88.2
Highest monthly 2.73
(1973)		 3.33
(1987)		 9.17
(1973)		 6.02
(1999)		 9.62
(1993)		 8.90
(1995)		 6.65
(1971)		 7.69
(1987)		 10.69
(1999)		 9.42
(1998)		 4.91
(1992)		 4.71
(1984)
Snowfall (inches)
Median 2.8 2.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 2.2 7.7
Mean number of days 3.6 2.5 1.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.8 2.7 11.0
Highest monthly 19.7
(1987)		 16.7
(1971)		 13.6
(1998)		 4.6
(1979)		 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5
(1991)		 7.1
(1972)		 13.8
(1983)
Notes: Temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation includes rain and melted snow or sleet in inches; median values are provided for precipitation and snowfall because mean averages may be misleading. Mean and median values are for the 30-year period 1971–2000; temperature extremes are for the station's period of record (1954–2001). The station is located at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport at 37°39′N 97°26′W, elevation 1,321 feet (401 m).

[edit] Demographics

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1880 4,911
–
1890 23,853 385.7%
1900 24,671 3.4%
1910 52,450 112.6%
1920 72,217 37.7%
1930 111,110 53.9%
1940 114,966 3.5%
1950 168,279 46.4%
1960 254,698 51.4%
1970 276,554 8.6%
1980 279,272 1.0%
1990 304,011 8.9%
2000 344,284 13.2%

In 2004, the city of Wichita had an estimated population of 353,823, which is an increase of 9,539, or 2.8%, since the year 2000.

In 2003 the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area had an estimated population of 582,781, which is an increase of 11,613, or 2.0%, since the year 2000. This includes a natural increase of 13,451 people (that is 29,063 births minus 15,612 deaths) and a decrease due to net migration of 1,508 people out of the metropolitan area. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 5,415 people, and migration within the country produced a net loss of 6,923 people.

[edit] Census of 2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 344,284 people, 139,087 households, and 87,763 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,536.1/mi² (979.2/km²). There were 152,119 housing units at an average density of 1,120.6/mi² (432.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 75.20% White, 11.42% African American, 1.16% Native American, 3.96% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 5.10% from other races, and 3.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 9.62% of the population.

There were 139,087 households out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the city the population was spread out with 27.1% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 75 females there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,939, and the median income for a family was $49,247. Males had a median income of $36,457 versus $25,844 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,647. About 8.4% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.4% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Historical trends

The City of Wichita's logo.
The City of Wichita's logo.

Following the incorporation of the city in 1870 rapid immigration resulted in a land boom involving speculation into the late 1880s. Wichita had become the third largest city in the state (behind Kansas City and Topeka) with a population of nearly 24,000 in 1890. After the boom the city suffered from 15 years of comparative depression and slow growth.

The early 20th century saw a resurgence in growth from the nascent aircraft industry (see below) with the population increasing by 350% between 1900 and 1930. By 1920 Wichita had entered the top 100 largest cities in the United States and by 1930 reached 77th in rank. The depression of the 1930s again brought slow growth with total population only increasing by 3% between 1930 and 1940. The decades during and after World War II saw a growth spurt as the city's population increased by more than 120% between 1940 and 1960. Wichita had become the largest city in the state by 1950 and the 51st largest city in the country by 1960—a ranking it has held to this date.

The decades between 1950 and 1970 saw a major shift in the city's racial makeup as the proportion of blacks in the population increased significantly. Until 1950 blacks had made up about 5% of the population with little variation. During these two decades the black population increased from 8,082 (4.8%) in 1950 to 26,841 (9.7%) in 1970, a 230% increase. This also marked the beginning of the decline of the white majority. Even as the white population has increased from 160,000 in 1950 to about 260,000 in 2000, the percentage of the population has dropped from 95% to 75%.

During the 1970s the city's population only grew by 1%, but the growth rate accelerated in the following two decades to more than 13% in the 1990s. The growth in minority races is still strong. The black population has grown by a more modest 14% per decade, but the proportion of the other races, including indigenous American and immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Rim, has risen from just 1% to over 10% of the population.

[edit] Transportation

Most residents of Wichita travel around the region by car. The Kansas Turnpike (Interstate 35), Interstates 135 and 235, U.S. Route 54/400, and K-96 run through and near the city. Currently the idea of a Northwest Corridor is under discussion, to run from K-96 south from Maize to U.S. 54/400.

The Wichita Transit Authority operates 51 buses on 18 fixed bus routes within the city.[1]

The nearest Amtrak station is in Newton (20 miles/32 km to the north), offering service on the Southwest Chief route between Los Angeles and Chicago.

Wichita is home to Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, the largest airport in the state of Kansas (the larger Kansas City International Airport is in Missouri). Flights from Wichita's airport travel to many U.S. airport hubs via 11 commercial carriers.

[edit] Culture

Downtown Wichita & Century II Convention Center
Downtown Wichita & Century II Convention Center

The City of Wichita is home to Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, which boasts 24 themed gardens including the popular Butterfly Garden and the award-winning Sally Stone Sensory Garden. Sedgwick County Extension Arboretum is also located in the city.

The first complete recording made by the famous jazz musician Charlie "Bird" Parker occurred in 1940 at the Trocadero Ballroom in Wichita. During the 1950s and early 1960s Wichita had a significant "Beat" movement [2]. The Wichita Jazz Festival remains a significant annual event on the jazz calendar to this day.

Wichita is also home to the Wichita River Festival, held each May in the Downtown and Old Town areas of the city. It is one of the longest continuous running festivals in the state of Kansas and features over 70 events, including musical entertainment, sporting events, traveling exhibits, cultural and historical activities, plays, interactive children's events, a flea market, river events, a parade, block party, food court, fireworks and souvenirs for the roughly 370,000+ patrons who attend each year.[3]

Blackbear Bosin's The Keeper of the Plains at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers by the Wichita Mid-America All Indian Center
Blackbear Bosin's The Keeper of the Plains at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers by the Wichita Mid-America All Indian Center

Other major attractions of the city include the Sedgwick County Zoo, home to more than 2,500 animals of nearly 500 different species; the Old Cowtown Museum; McConnell Air Force Base; Exploration Place, a science and discovery center for all ages; the Old Town historical and entertainment district; the Mid-America All-Indian Center and Museum; and the Wichita Art Museum.

Other museums and attractions in the metro area:

Wichita is also home to Kansas' tallest building, the Epic Center

[edit] History

A thorough writeup can be found at the external site City of Wichita-History.

The site on the two rivers has served as a trading center for nomadic peoples for the last 11,000 years. The area was visited by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1541, while he was in search of the fabulous "cities of gold." While there, he encountered a group of Indians whom he called Quiviras and who have been identified by archeological and historical studies as Wichita Indians. By 1719 this people had moved south to Oklahoma, where they met French traders. The first permanent settlement in Wichita was a collection of grass houses inhabited by the Wichita Indians in 1863. They had moved back to Wichita from Oklahoma during the Civil War due to their pro-Union sentiments. The city was officially incorporated in 1870. Shortly thereafter it became a railhead destination for cattle drives from Texas and other southwestern points, from whence it has derived its nickname of "Cowtown."

Wichita reached national fame in 1900 when Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) member Carrie Nation decided to carry her crusade against alcohol to Wichita. On December 27 of that year she entered the Carey House bar in downtown Wichita and smashed the place with a rock and a pool ball. She had visited all the bars in Wichita the night before and demanded that they close their doors. However, the painting by John Noble of Cleopatra at the Roman Bath in the Carey House had drawn her particular wrath.

In 1914-1915, oil was discovered nearby and Wichita became a major oil center. The money derived from oil allowed local entrepreneurs to invest in a nascent airplane industry. In 1917, the first plane, the Cessna Comet, was manufactured in Wichita. Forty-three Swallows, the first airplanes made specifically for production, were built in Wichita between 1920 and 1923. This industry, coinciding with Wichita as a test center for new aviation, established Wichita as the "Air Capital." Lloyd Stearman and Walter Beech were employees of the Swallow company, but in January 1925 they left Swallow Aircraft and teamed up with Clyde Cessna to form Travel Air. Lloyd Stearman left the company in 1926 to start Stearman Aircraft in Venice, California. Cessna quit in January 1927 to start Cessna. Stearman would only be gone from Wichita for a year before returning.

Travel Air with Walter Beech at the helm grew to the point of employing over 600 workers and working in a huge factory complex constructed from 1927 to 1929. Employing so many workers at such a large complex and being a few miles outside the city limits it was tagged "Travel Air City" by Wichita residents. The company merged with the huge Curtis Wright Corporation in the Roaring Twenties' heyday of company buyouts and takeovers just two months before the Stock Market crash in 1929. Workers were laid off by the hundreds during 1930 and more so in 1931. By the fall of 1932 all workers were let go in Wichita, equipment was sold and the entire Travel Air plant sat empty.

In March 1932 Walter quit Curtis Wright to form Beech Aircraft with his wife Olive Ann and hired Ted Wells as his chief engineer. The first four or five "Beechcraft" were built in the vacant Cessna Aircraft plant which was also closed during the depression. Beech later leased and then bought the Travel Air plant from Curtis Wright and men, machinery, and an airplane or two were moved from the Cessna plant. The first aircraft was the Model 17, later dubbed the "Staggerwing" which was first flown on November 5, 1932. The aircraft that would propel the small company into a huge corporation was the Model 18 "Twin Beech," of which thousands were built from 1937 to 1969. The Staggerwing production ended in 1946 with approximately 750 built and a few more assembled from parts in 1947. The Staggerwing production was replaced by the Beechcraft Bonanza, although there are still nearly 100 Staggerwings in existence, most in useable condition.

The city experienced a population explosion during World War II when it became a major manufacturing center for airplanes needed in the war effort. By 1945, 4.2 bombers were being produced daily in Wichita. Stearman Aircraft, later purchased by the Boeing Company, was founded in Wichita, as were Beech Aircraft (now part of Raytheon), Cessna Aircraft, and LearJet (now Bombardier). The city remains a major manufacturing center for the aircraft industry today, with all of these and Airbus still having major centers there, hence its nickname: "The Air Capital."

Wichita was also a significant entrepreneurial business center during the pre and post-war period, with Coleman, Mentholatum, Pizza Hut, White Castle, and Koch Industries having all been founded in Wichita. Ironically, White Castle closed all of their restaurants in Wichita in 1938 and has not operated in the state of Kansas after a failed revival attempt in the Kansas City area in the early 1990s. The entrepreneurial spirit of Wichita led to the creation one of the first academic centers to study and support entrepreneurship at The Wichita State University, Center for Entrepreneurship.

Wichita is also noteworthy for the crimes of BTK killer Dennis Rader, which gained national media attention.

An informative collection of historical photographs of Wichita can be found at [4].

[edit] Sister cities

[edit] Metro cities

[edit] High Schools

[edit] Public Schools (USD 259)

[edit] Public Schools (USD 261)

[edit] Private Schools

[edit] Elementary Schools

  • Allen Elementary School
  • Anderson Elementary School
  • Beech Elementary School
  • Benton Elementary School
  • Blessed Sacrament Catholic Elementary and Middle School
  • Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School
  • Bryant Core Knowledge Magnet School
  • Buckner Performing Arts Magnet School
  • Caldwell Elementary School
  • Cessna Elementary School
  • Chisholm Trail Elementary School
  • Clark Elementary School
  • Cleaveland Traditional Magnet School
  • College Hill Elementary School
  • Colvin Elementary School
  • Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary School
  • Emerson Open Magnet Elementary School
  • Enterprise Elementary School
  • Franklin Elementary
  • Funston/White Elementary School
  • Gammon Elementary School
  • Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet School
  • Hyde International Studies and Communications Magnet Elementary School
  • Irving Elementary School
  • Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary School
  • Jefferson Elementary School
  • Kelly Elementary Liberal Arts Academy
  • Kensler Elementary School
  • Lincoln Elementary School
  • Linwood Elementary School
  • L'Ouverture Computer Technology Magnet School
  • McCollom Elementary School
  • McLean Science/Technology Magnet School
  • Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet Elementary School
  • Mueller Elementary School
  • OK Elementary School
  • Peterson Elementary School
  • Payne Elementary School
  • Pleasant Valley Elementary School
  • Price-Harris Elementary School
  • Riverside Elementary School
  • Washington Accelerated Elementary School
  • Woodman Elementary School
  • Wilbur Middle School

[edit] Maize USD 266

Pray-Woodman Elementary
Maize Elementary School
Maiz Central
Vermillion Primary

[edit] Colleges and universities

Most Community Colleges and State Universities offer online/distance learning options.

[edit] Sports teams

[edit] Notable Residents

[edit] Broadcasting/Media

See Broadcast Media in Wichita for the full list of local terrestrial television stations.

Cable television service for Wichita and surrounding areas is provided by Cox Communications

The Wichita Eagle is the daily newspaper in Wichita.

Wichita City Paper is the free weekly alternative paper.
KAKE 10 Wichita

[edit] Cultural references

[edit] External links


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