Wilson, KS

TESTING

Czech Capital of Kansas

Founded: 1873
Population: 834
Elevation: 1689 feet
Latitude: 38° 49' 30" N
Longitude: 98° 28' 30" W
School District: USD 328
ZIP code: 67490
Area Code: 785

DESCRIPTION

Wilson is a small town located in northern Ellsworth county just south of Interstate 70 at Exit 206. It is located at the center of a hub between Salina, Hays and Gt. Bend It's close proximity to these larger towns is one of the attractions of living there. Wilson is only 7 miles from Lake Wilson, "The Clearest Lake in Kansas". It is also home of the Annual Czech Festival, a Nationally know Sausage Co., a Nationally known Advertising Co. the Kansas Originals Market and the Famous Midland Hotel featured in the movie "Paper Moon" .

HISTORY

In 1865 a Butterfield stagecoach station was built a half mile south of the present site of Wilson. "Attica" and "Bosland" were early names for the town before the US Post Office decided it was "Wilson" in 1873. Large numbers of immigrants from Czechoslovakia in the 1870's came to work on the railroad and gave the area a unique culture. Francis Swehla was the first Bohemian homesteader in 1874 and was instrumental in bringing more Czech settlers here which eventually lead to the Charter naming Wilson the "Czech Capital of Kansas" in 1974, 100 years later. J.T. McKittrick was one of the first settlers who built hotels and business, and brought the Pennsylvania-Dutch to this area.

Wilson Chamber of Commerce
(785) 658-2211
2407 Avenue E / P. O. Box 328
Wilson, KS 67490

Explore Ellsworth County or visit other Kansas Cities & Towns

May 13, 2009 / Wilson Kansas / Susan Kriley, Chamber of Commerce

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