Augusta, Kansas

The confluence of the Whitewater River and the Walnut River was originally inhabited by Osage people, who found the land ideal for hunting and fishing.

In 1868, C. N. James settled in the area and built a log cabin to serve also as a general store and trading post. Around that same time, a post office was established in the settlement, and as the first postmaster, C. N. James named the post office and the town in honor of his wife, Augusta James.{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_h3YUAAAAYAAJ | title=History of Butler County Kansas | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Mooney, Vol. P. | year=1916 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_h3YUAAAAYAAJ/page/n94 95]}}{{cite web|url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:BU |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived) |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |access-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009125851/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3ABU |archive-date=October 9, 2013 }}[https://archive.today/20150121024235/http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Historic-letters-found-in-Augusta--289221651.html Historic letters found in Augusta; KAKE tv; January 20, 2015.]

In 1877, the Florence, El Dorado, and Walnut Valley Railroad Company built a branch line from Florence to El Dorado. In 1881 it was extended to Douglass, and later to Arkansas City.Marion County Kansas : Past and Present; Sondra Van Meter; MB Publishing House; LCCN 72-92041; 344 pages; 1972. The rail line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Service from Florence to El Dorado was abandoned in 1942.[http://www.abandonedrails.com/Florence_to_El_Dorado Railway Abandonment 1942] The original branch line connected Florence, Burns, De Graff, El Dorado, Augusta, Douglass, Rock, Akron, Winfield, Arkansas City. In 2020, the Santa Fe (now BNSF) still maintains tracks through Augusta at the 301 E. Fifth St. headquarters, a brick depot constructed in 1916–1917.{{cite web|url=https://www.bnsf.com/|title=BNSF Railway}} The St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) Railroad established a depot in Augusta in 1880, serving both passengers and freight. Passenger service ended in 1960.{{cite web|url=https://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Butler_AugustaFriscoDepotSR.pdf|title=Register of Historic Kansas Places}}

The discovery of oil near Augusta in 1914, and soon elsewhere in Butler County, led to the doubling of the population of Augusta between 1910 and 1920.[The Kingdom of Butler, Jessie Perry Stratford. 1970. Times Publishing Co., El Dorado, KS, and Intercollegiate Press, Shawnee Mission, Kansas. p. 117.] Oil drilling and refining became a major source of employment for many years. In 1916, L. L. Marcell founded the White Eagle Oil Company in Augusta. Other early refineries were the Walnut Refining Company and the Lakeside Refinery.[Stratford, p. 126.] In 1930, White Eagle was purchased by the Standard Oil Company of New York and was known as "Socony-Vacuum" for many years, then renamed Mobil in 1966.[Augusta, Kansas: 1868-1990, Allison, Burl Jr. 1993. Multi Business Press, Hillsboro, KS 67063,p. 86.]

In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline (Phase II) was constructed about 1.5 miles west of Augusta, north to south through Butler County, with much controversy over tax exemption and environmental concerns (if a leak ever occurs).[http://www.gpace.org/news/marion-county-commission-calls-out-legislative-leadership-on-pipeline-deal/ Keystone Pipeline - Marion County Commission calls out Legislative Leadership on Pipeline Deal; April 18, 2010.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022015437/http://www.gpace.org/news/marion-county-commission-calls-out-legislative-leadership-on-pipeline-deal/ |date=October 22, 2011 }}[http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/dec/10/transcanada-inspecting-keystone-pipeline/ Keystone Pipeline - TransCanada inspecting pipeline; December 10, 2010.]

Augusta is located at the confluence of the Walnut and Whitewater Rivers. It is located along the western edge of Butler County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|4.75|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|4.23|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.52|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 12, 2012 }}

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Augusta has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=744041&cityname=Augusta%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Augusta, Kansas]

{{US Census population

| align =

| 1880 = 922

| 1890 = 1343

| 1900 = 1197

| 1910 = 1235

| 1920 = 4219

| 1930 = 4033

| 1940 = 3821

| 1950 = 4483

| 1960 = 6434

| 1970 = 5977

| 1980 = 6968

| 1990 = 7876

| 2000 = 8423

| 2010 = 9274

| 2020 = 9256

| estyear = 2023

| estimate = 9245

| estref = {{Cite web |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html |access-date=March 24, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}

| align-fn = center

| footnote = [https://web.archive.org/web/20060208103743/http://www.census.gov:80/prod/www/abs/decennial/ U.S. Decennial Census]
2010-2020

}}

The 2020 United States census counted 9,256 people, 3,670 households, and 2,423 families in Augusta.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}} The population density was 2,182.0 per square mile (842.5/km{{sup|2}}). There were 4,002 housing units at an average density of 943.4 per square mile (364.3/km{{sup|2}}).{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}{{Cite web |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}} The racial makeup was 88.41% (8,183) white or European American (86.11% non-Hispanic white), 0.51% (47) black or African-American, 0.92% (85) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.55% (51) Asian, 0.05% (5) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 1.44% (133) from other races, and 8.12% (752) from two or more races.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}} Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.55% (514) of the population.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}

Of the 3,670 households, 33.1% had children under the age of 18; 48.3% were married couples living together; 27.4% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 29.6% of households consisted of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 2.9.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}} The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 15.5% of the population.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}

26.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 109.5 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $52,274 (with a margin of error of +/- $5,044) and the median family income was $64,386 (+/- $7,473).{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}} Males had a median income of $40,083 (+/- $9,827) versus $25,148 (+/- $8,132) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,611 (+/- $3,528).{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}} Approximately, 8.4% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those ages 65 or over.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Augusta%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=data.census.gov}}

As of the census{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=2012-07-06}} of 2010, there were 9,274 people, 3,669 households, and 2,448 families living in the city.{{cite web|title=2010 City Population and Housing Occupancy Status |url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST13&prodType=table |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=March 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721034521/http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST13&prodType=table |archive-date=July 21, 2011 }} The population density was {{convert|2192.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 3,951 housing units at an average density of {{convert|934.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 0.4% African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4% of the population.

There were 3,669 households, of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 35.7 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

As of the census of 2000,{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }} there were 8,423 people, 3,277 households, and 2,307 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,091.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 3,585 housing units at an average density of {{convert|890.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 96.07% White, 0.18% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.68% from other races, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 3,277 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 26.3% 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 2.53 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,818, and the median income for a family was $51,886. Males had a median income of $36,465 versus $24,747 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,094. About 4.1% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

The community is served by Augusta USD 402 public school district.

The [https://www.augustaartscouncilks.org/ Augusta Historic Theater], now home to the Augusta Arts Council, is a classic example of Art Deco.{{cite web|url=https://www.augustaartscouncilks.org/about-us/|title=About Us, Augusta Historic Theatre|access-date=2023-08-03}} Augusta is also home to the [http://www.kansastravel.org/kansasmilitarymuseum.htm Kansas Museum of Military History] (formerly [http://www.kansastravel.org/kansasmilitarymuseum.htm Augusta Air Museum]). The [https://archive.today/20140702035418/http://www.augustahistoricalsociety.com/ Augusta Historical Museum] and the [http://www.augustahistoricalsociety.net/ C.N. James Log Cabin] are on the National Register of Historic Places. Also [http://www.sculpturehill.com/ Henry's Sculpture Hill] is located outside the cities limit. Augusta does offer an airport called the [http://www.flyaugustaks.com/ Augusta Municipal Airport].

Augusta is home to the [http://www.butlercountytimesgazette.com/ Butler County Times-Gazette] (formerly various local newspaper companies including the Augusta Gazette, Andover American, and El Dorado Times), a tri-weekly newspaper covering Augusta and neighboring towns.

• Madelyn Dunham — banker, grandmother of Barack Obama
• Edward R. Weidlein (1887–1983) — chemist{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette-e-r-weidlein-d/141689387/ |title=E. R. Weidlein dies, smoke control pioneer |date=1983-08-17 |newspaper=The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |page=10 |last=Golightly |first=John |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=2024-02-20}}{{Open access}}
• Bob Whittaker — U.S. Representative; resident of Augusta{{cite web|url= http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=W000426|title=WHITTAKER, Robert Russell, (1939 - ) |publisher= Biographical Directory of the United States Congress |access-date= October 4, 2012}}

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, Kansas
• C. N. James Cabin
• Loomis–Parry Residence

{{Reflist}}

{{See also|Butler County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Butler County, Kansas}}

{{Commons category|Augusta, Kansas}}

• [https://www.augustaks.org/ City of Augusta]
• [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=38842527 Augusta - Directory of Public Officials]

{{Butler County, Kansas}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Kansas

Category:Cities in Butler County, Kansas

Category:Wichita, KS Metropolitan Statistical Area

Category:Populated places established in 1868

Category:1868 establishments in Kansas