Ellinwood KS

Ellinwood, Kansas

Founded: 1872
Population: 2,329 (1990)
Elevation: 1800 feet
Latitude: 38° 21' 20" N
Longitude: 98° 34' 50" W
School District: USD 355
ZIP code: 67526
Area Code: 620

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Ellinwood is located in Barton, [BT], County just north of the Arkansas River. Highway 56 and the Santa Fe railroad pass through town. Ellinwood was on the Santa Fe Trail, the trail that played a critical role in the westward expansion of the United States, and was an important two-way avenue for commerce and cultural exchange.

The town is named for Capt. John Ellinwood, chief civil engineer and surveyor for the AT&SF, who camped near here in the fall of 1871. The town's first merchant, George M. Jackson, laid out the town in the spring of 1872 and began selling whiskey and tobacco. The railroad reached Ellinwood that summer, and growth was rapid, reaching 400 by 1878.

Ellinwood is of German heritage which is shown by the architecture of the Main Street buildings and the Underground Tunnels of yesteryear. The tunnels remain of greatest interest to tourists.

Ellinwood lies in the middle of the Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira Wildlife Refuge, both natural wetlands that attract nature lovers and hunters.

In the area is Dozier Vineyard and Winery with wine tasting, tours, picnic area and walking trails. An old depot houses a gift shop and wine tasting area. The winery is located south of Ellinwood, 323 SE 80th Ave.

Hours: Tues-Fri evenings, 6-8; Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Explore Barton County or visit other Kansas Cities & Towns

June 14, 2007 / Cody Clair / ellinwoodks@gmail.com

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