A city of central Kansas west of Topeka. Dwight D. Eisenhower lived in Abilene during his youth; the Eisenhower Center includes his family homestead, a museum and library, and his grave. Population: 6,440.
Abilene
Dictionary:
Ab·i·lene (ăb'ə-lēn')  |
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| Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Abilene |
For more information on Abilene, visit Britannica.com.
| US History Encyclopedia: Abilene |
Abilene, an early cattle town in Kansas, was established by Illinois cattle buyer Joseph G. McCoy in 1867 as a depot to which drovers might bring Texas livestock for rail shipment to Kansas City. Trail drivers' attempts to reach market in 1866 had failed largely because of the hostility of settlers in Missouri and eastern Kansas. Residents there feared the spread of Texas fever, which prevailed among longhorn cattle and could infect their domesticated cattle. Located on the Kansas Pacific Railway, Abilene was a popular shipping point for several years, until the westward advance of settlers forced the drovers to new cattle towns farther west.
Bibliography
Dykstra, Robert R. The Cattle Towns. New York: Knopf, 1968.
—Edward Everett Dale/S. B.
| Columbia Encyclopedia: Abilene |
Abilene (ăb'ĭlēn). City (1990 pop. 6,242), seat of Dickinson co., central Kans., on the Smoky Hill River; inc. 1869. It was (1867-71) a railhead for a large cattle-raising region extending SW into Texas. Millions of cattle followed the Chisholm Trail into the cow town's stockyards prior to shipment. "Wild Bill" Hickok was Abilene's marshal for a time. The city, a still shipping point for a wheat and cattle region, has feed and flour mills. Abilene was the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower; the Eisenhower Center includes his old family homestead, a museum, the Eisenhower Library, and his grave.
| Weather: Abilene, KS |
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| Wikipedia: Abilene, Kansas |
| Abilene, Kansas | |
|---|---|
| — City — | |
 |
|
| Coordinates: 38°55′11″N 97°13′2″W / 38.91972°N 97.21722°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Dickinson |
| Area | |
| - Total | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km2) |
| - Land | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km2) |
| - Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,155 ft (352 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 6,543 |
| - Density | 1,584.7/sq mi (611.9/km2) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 67410 |
| Area code(s) | 785 |
| FIPS code | 20-00125[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0476675[2] |
| Website | http://www.abilenecityhall.com |
Abilene is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States, 163 miles (262 km) west of Kansas City. In 1900, 3,507 people lived here. The population was 6,543 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dickinson County[3].
Contents |
History
 |
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2008) |
Abilene began as a stage coach stop in 1857, established by Timothy Hersey and named from a passage in the Bible, meaning "city of the plains." The town grew quickly when Joseph G. McCoy decided to use the town for the location of his stockyards. Abilene became the very first "cow town" of the west.
With the railroad pushing west, cattle traders soon came to use Abilene as the largest stockyards west of Kansas City. The Chisholm Trail ended in Abilene, bringing in many travelers and making Abilene one of the wildest towns in the west. [1]
Town marshal Tom "Bear River" Smith was initially successful policing Abilene, often using only his bare hands. He survived two assassination attempts during his tenure. However, he was murdered and decapitated on November 2, 1870. Smith wounded one of his two attackers during the shootout preceding his death, and both suspects received life in prison for the offense. He was replaced by Wild Bill Hickok in April 1871. Hickock's time as marshal was short lived. While standing off a crowd during a street brawl, gambler Phil Coe took two shots at Hickock, who returned fire killing Coe, but then accidentally shot his friend and deputy, Mike Williams, who was coming to his aid. He lost his job two months later in December.
In 1880 Conrad Lebold built what the newspapers called the finest house west of Topeka. Lebold was one of the early town developers and Bankers from 1869 through 1889. The Hersey dugout can still be seen in the cellar of the Lebold Mansion. [2]
In 1890, Dr. A.B. Seelye founded the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. Seelye developed over 100 products for the company including "Wasa-Tusa," an Indian name meaning to heal.
Abilene became home to Dwight D. Eisenhower when his family moved to Abilene from Denison, Texas in 1892 where he attended elementary school through high school. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library is located in Abilene. It is now the burial site of President Eisenhower, his wife, Mamie, and their first born son Doud Dwight. [3]
In 1960 Abilene had a population of 6,746.[4]
Geography
Abilene is located along I-70 at 38°55′11″N 97°13′2″W / 38.91972°N 97.21722°W (38.919721, -97.217329)[5]. The Smoky Hill River passes roughly a mile and a half south of the city.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.1 square miles (10.7 km²), all of it land.
Abilene's sister city is Minori, Japan.
Climate
Over the course of a year, temperatures range from an average low below 20 °F (−7 °C) in January to an average high of nearly 95 °F (35 °C) in July. The maximum temperature reaches 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 67 days per year and reaches 100 °F (38 °C) an average of 14 days per year. The minimum temperature falls below the freezing point (32°F) an average of 117 days per year. Typically the first fall freeze occurs between the last week of September and the first week of November, and the last spring freeze occurs during April or the first week of May.
The area receives nearly 33 inches (840 mm) of precipitation during an average year with the largest share being received in May and June—which when combined average 20 days of measurable precipitation. During a typical year the total amount of precipitation may be anywhere from 22 to 44 inches (1,100 mm). There are on average 79 days of measurable precipitation per year. Winter snowfall averages about 14 inches, but the median is less than 10 inches (250 mm). Measurable snowfall occurs an average of 7 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 11 days per year.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperatures (°F) | |||||||||||||
| Mean high | 40.9 | 47.7 | 59.0 | 69.7 | 78.3 | 88.8 | 94.4 | 92.5 | 83.8 | 71.8 | 55.1 | 44.1 | 68.8 |
| Mean low | 18.5 | 23.8 | 33.4 | 43.3 | 53.8 | 63.3 | 68.5 | 66.5 | 57.6 | 45.5 | 32.9 | 22.7 | 44.2 |
| Highest recorded | 77 (1990) |
83 (1972) |
91 (1956) |
98 (1989) |
102 (1964) |
111 (1980) |
113 (1954) |
111 (1983) |
111 (2000) |
98 (1963) |
86 (1980) |
73 (2001) |
113 (1954) |
| Lowest recorded | −19 (1979) |
−22 (1979) |
−9 (1978) |
15 (1970) |
27 (1976) |
39 (1982) |
44 (1972) |
41 (1949) |
23 (1984) |
16 (1993) |
−6 (1975) |
−24 (1989) |
−24 (1989) |
| Precipitation (inches) | |||||||||||||
| Median | 0.67 | 0.97 | 2.22 | 2.34 | 4.28 | 4.22 | 3.53 | 3.77 | 2.04 | 2.44 | 1.42 | 0.87 | 32.43 |
| Mean number of days | 4.1 | 4.2 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 10.3 | 8.4 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.4 | 4.6 | 79.4 |
| Highest monthly | 2.05 (1979) |
3.50 (1997) |
7.56 (1973) |
8.92 (1999) |
17.96 (1995) |
8.25 (1984) |
12.94 (1993) |
8.80 (1981) |
10.47 (1973) |
9.71 (1979) |
6.99 (1998) |
3.38 (1973) |
|
| Snowfall (inches) | |||||||||||||
| Median | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 9.6 |
| Mean number of days | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 7.3 |
| Highest monthly | 20.0 (1979) |
14.0 (1980) |
12.5 (1998) |
3.0 (1997) |
0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 (1991) |
9.0 (1983) |
7.0 (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 (1948–2001). The station is located one mile (1.6 km) west of Abilene at 38°55′N 97°14′W, elevation 1,170 feet (360 m). | |||||||||||||
Demographics
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 4,895 |
|
|
| 1930 | 5,658 | 15.6% | |
| 1940 | 5,671 | 0.2% | |
| 1970 | 6,661 |
|
|
| 1980 | 6,572 | −1.3% | |
| 1990 | 6,242 | −5.0% | |
| 2000 | 6,543 | 4.8% | |
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 6,543 people, 2,836 households, and 1,772 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,584.7 people per square mile (611.7/km²). There were 3,104 housing units at an average density of 751.8/sq mi (290.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.52% White, 1.01% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.
There were 2,836 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,778, and the median income for a family was $46,052. Males had a median income of $31,971 versus $17,361 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,356. About 4.8% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.
Media
Abilene has one daily newspaper, The Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.[6]
Radio
The following radio stations are licensed to Abilene:
AM
| Frequency | Callsign[7] | Format[8] | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1560 | KABI | Adult Standards/MOR |
FM
| Frequency | Callsign[9] | Format[8] | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94.1 | K231AW | Christian | AFR; Translator of KAKA, Salina |
| 98.5 | KSAJ-FM | Oldies |
Points of Interest
- Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad - A tourist railroad based out of the old Rock Island train depot in Old Abilene Town; it hauls passengers between Abilene and Enterprise.[10]
- Eisenhower Presidential Center and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum [4]
- Great Plains Theatre - Originally First Presbyterian Church, built in 1881, Landmarked, and is now a live professional theatre. [5]
- Greyhound Hall of Fame - Located near the Eisenhower Presidential Library, the hall exhibits the history of the greyhound breed and of greyhound racing.
- Hall of Generals - A wax museum of figures of generals from World War II
- Heritage Center of Dickinson County - Two museums including the Historical Museum and the Museum of Independent Telephony. The Museum of Independent Telephony tells the story of C.L. Brown, whose independent Brown Telephone Company grew to become the telecommunications company known today as Sprint Nextel Corporation [6]. [7]
- Lebold Mansion - National Register Property listed in 1973. Built in 1880 in the Italianate Tuscan villa style. Today this decorative arts museum is home to one of the finest collections of American Victorian antiques and artifacts. [8]
- Old Abilene Town - A replica of a part of old Abilene. Constructed as a replica historic district, beginning in the late 1950s, it includes several original buildings that have been moved from their original locations.[11] [9]
- A. B. Seelye House and Museum - A Georgian style mansion built in 1905 at a cost of $55,000. The 25 room mansion contains the original furniture and Edison light fixtures. The Patent Medicine Museum contains many artifacts of the A.B. Seelye Medical Company. [10] Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is currently a museum showcasing Seelye, an advocate of patent medicines.[12]
Notable natives and residents
- C.L. Brown, Founder of Sprint Corp., 'Benevolent Patriarch' of Abilene, built a telephone company, an orphanage and
homes for senior citizens, indigents and single mothers. Also built a 240-acre park for the enjoyment of the people of Abilene.
- C. Olin Ball, food safety pioneer
- Joseph R. Burton, United States Senator
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States
- Earl D. Eisenhower, brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower, member of the Illinois House of Representatives
- Milton S. Eisenhower, brother of Dwight D. Eisenhower, noted academic and university president
- James Butler Hickok (better known as "Wild Bill" Hickok), Marshall and legendary figure in the American Wild West
- John Wesley Hardin, American Wild West outlaw
- Deane Waldo Malott, American academic and administrator and 6th president of Cornell University
- Joseph McCoy, 19th century cattle baron
- Luke Short, American Wild West gunslinger
- Ben Thompson, American Wild West saloon keeper and noted figure
See also
References
- ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=Find_a_County&Template=/cffiles/counties/usamap.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ World Book Encyclopedia, 1967 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 13
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "About this Newspaper: Abilene reflector-chronicle". Chronicling America. Library of Congress. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84029353/. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
- ^ "AMQ AM Radio Database Query". Federal Communications Commission. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
- ^ a b "Station Information Profile". Arbitron. http://www.arbitron.com/radio_stations/station_information.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
- ^ "FMQ FM Radio Database Query". Federal Communications Commission. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/fmq.html. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
- ^ Abilene & Smoky Valley Excursion Train, Kansas Department of Commerce. Accessed 2009-04-14.
- ^ Historic Old Abilene Town, Abilene. Accessed 2009-04-14.
- ^ Seelye Mansion, Abilene. Accessed 2009-04-14.
External links
- Abilene, Kansas is at coordinates 38°55′11″N 97°13′02″W / 38.919721°N 97.217329°WCoordinates: 38°55′11″N 97°13′02″W / 38.919721°N 97.217329°W
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