Matfield Green, Kansas

{{See also|History of Kansas}}

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. The historic Native American tribes of Kansas are many, including the Kansa, or "Wind People," from whom the name of the state is derived. Also included are the related Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita. From the west and north ranged the Comanche and Apache, as well as the Kiowa, Cheyenne and Arapaho.{{cite web|title=Emporia State University, The Historic Indians of Kansas.|url=https://legendsofkansas.com/native-american-history-kansas/|access-date=2023-08-03}}

From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1859, Chase County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Matfield Green.

Matfield Green was named after Matfield, in England.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ODXKhgH3e6AC&pg=PA12 | title=Exploring Kansas Highways | author=Heim, Michael | year=2007 | pages=12| publisher=Exploring America's Highway | isbn=9780974435886 }} The village green at Matfield in Kent is known as Matfield Green.[https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/local/matfield-green-tunbridge-wells Ordnance Survey]

In 1870, Bazaar Township, Chase County, Kansas which includes Matfield Green had a population of 376, growing to 1,096 by 1880.{{cite web|title=William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, 1883, Chase County, Bazaar Township.|url=http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/chase/chase-co-p1.html#TOC|access-date=2023-08-03}} In its heyday, at the beginning of the 20th century, Matfield Green grew to about 350 residents and possessed a bank, grocery store, livery and blacksmith, hardware, flour mill and lumberyard, and even a hotel for visitors. It also had its own schools. A post office existed in Matfield Green from January 11, 1867 to September 30, 1995.{{cite web|url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:CS |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived) |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |accessdate=June 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009125935/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3ACS |archivedate=October 9, 2013 }}

Like many small towns in Kansas, Matfield Green struggles to maintain its existence. It is helped by a small colony of artists and writers who work to preserve the community, along with the nearby historic Pioneer Bluffs ranch headquarters.{{cite web|title=Center for Living Education, Matfield Green.|url=http://www.matfieldgreen.org/thebank/center-for-living-education/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826063315/http://matfieldgreen.org/thebank/center-for-living-education/|archive-date=2016-08-26}} Additionally great conservation efforts have been made by both private individuals such as Texas billionaire Ed Bass and non profit organizations Nature Conservancy to combat development and preserve the Flint Hills, which is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.{{cite web | url=https://www.drovers.com/news/flint-hills-ranch-listed-858-million | title=Flint Hills Ranch Listed for $8.58 Million | date=June 28, 2019 }}{{Cite journal|url=https://placesjournal.org/article/the-flint-hills-middle-of-everywhere/|doi = 10.22269/191112|title = The Middle of Everywhere|year = 2019|last1 = Schuler|first1 = Timothy A.|journal = Places Journal|issue = 2019|s2cid = 214340391|doi-access = free}}{{Cite web|url=http://services.autoclubmo.aaa.com/traveler/mid/2010/05/musical-prairie.html|title = Traveler - Musical Prairie}}{{Cite web|url=https://tallgrassartistresidency.org/program/|title=Program – Tallgrass Artist Residency}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/article_a82892fd-8367-560f-b83d-38e406bddbf9.html|title=Couple protects Flint Hills land|date=September 2006 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelks.com/kansas-magazine/articles/category/flint-hills-coalition/577fe2ec82a8db5e070ee3d9/|title = Posts in Flint Hills Coalition | Articles| date=December 3, 2012 }}

Image:Knuterocknememorial.jpg

Matfield Green is located at {{coord|38.159609|-96.562013|type:city_region:US|format=dms|display=inline}} (38.159609, -96.562013).,{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}} in the scenic Flint Hills{{Cite web |url=http://www.kansasflinthills.travel/ |title=Flint Hills Tourism Coalition |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810214951/http://www.kansasflinthills.travel/ |archive-date=August 10, 2013 |url-status=dead }} of the Great Plains. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|0.14|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.{{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|accessdate=July 6, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archivedate=January 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Matfield Green has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=960541&cityname=Matfield+Green%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Matfield Green, Kansas]

Matfield Green has two ranches on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): Crocker Ranch[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_CrockerRanchNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Crocker Ranch] (NRHP). 1908-1940 Pioneer Bluffs Ranch[http://www.kshs.org/resource/national_register/nominationsNRDB/Chase_PioneerBluffsRanchHistoricDistrictNR.pdf National Register of Historic Places - Pioneer Bluffs Ranch] (NRHP), approximately one mile north on K-177 Highway. Pioneer Bluffs is an early twentieth century ranch, consisting of one dozen vintage farm buildings.[http://www.pioneerbluffs.org Pioneer Bluffs Ranch web site][http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/17/1407726/prairyerth-returns-home.html 'PrairyErth' returns home; The Wichita Eagle, July 17, 2010]

{{US Census population

|align=left

|1880= 324

|1930= 182

|1940= 146

|1950= 119

|1960= 95

|1970= 77

|1980= 71

|1990= 33

|2000= 60

|2010= 47

|2020= 49

|estyear=

|estimate=

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]

}}

Matfield Green is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The 2020 United States census counted 49 people, 28 households, and 17 families in Matfield Green.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Matfield%20Green%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=data.census.gov}} The population density was 345.1 per square mile (133.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 37 housing units at an average density of 260.6 per square mile (100.6/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=Matfield%20Green%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=data.census.gov}}{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |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 95.92% (47) white or European American (95.92% non-Hispanic white), 0.0% (0) black or African-American, 0.0% (0) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.0% (0) Asian, 0.0% (0) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 4.08% (2) from other races, and 0.0% (0) from two or more races.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Matfield%20Green%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=data.census.gov}} Hispanic or Latino of any race was 0.0% (0) 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=Matfield%20Green%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=data.census.gov}}

Of the 28 households, 17.9% had children under the age of 18; 50.0% were married couples living together; 14.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 39.3% of households consisted of individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.0 and the average family size was 3.6.{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Matfield%20Green%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-16 |website=data.census.gov}}

22.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 2.0% from 18 to 24, 14.3% from 25 to 44, 40.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 81.0 males.

As of the census{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 6, 2012}} of 2010, there were 47 people, 24 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|335.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 36 housing units at an average density of {{convert|257.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 24 households, of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.2% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.73.

The median age in the city was 58.8 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 12.8% were from 25 to 44; 34.1% were from 45 to 64; and 36.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2000, there were 60 people, 31 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|314.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 34 housing units at an average density of {{convert|178.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 31 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, and 41.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.56.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.0% under the age of 18, 1.7% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,642. There were 19.0% of families and 19.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 35.7% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

The Matfield Green government consists of a mayor and five council members. The council meets the 1st Monday of each month at 7PM.

• City Hall, 302 Orient Street.

The community is served by Chase County USD 284 public school district. It has two schools.

• Chase County Junior/Senior High School, 600 Main St in Cottonwood Falls.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110728150456/http://www.usd284.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Elementary%20School Chase County Elementary School], 401 Maple St in Cottonwood Falls.

Matfield Green schools were closed through school unification. The Matfield Green High School mascot was Matfield Green Panthers."Hold a Homecoming for Matfield Green Alumni", The Emporia Gazette, January 30, 1940, p.6.

K-177 highway and Southern Transcon main line of BNSF Railway both pass through Matfield Green. The Kansas Turnpike toll road is close to Matfield Green, but a driver must exit the toll plaza in Cassoday and enter K-177 (Kansas highway) going north.

• Internet
• Satellite Internet is provided by HughesNet, StarBand, WildBlue.
• TV
• Satellite TV is provided by DirecTV, Dish Network.
• Free over-the-air ATSC digital TV.

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Chase County, Kansas

{{Reflist}}

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

{{Commons category|Matfield Green, Kansas}}

• [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41260870 Matfield Green - Directory of Public Officials]
• [http://www.chasecountychamber.org Chase County Chamber of Commerce]
• [http://www.galenfrysinger.com/kansas_matfield_green.htm Matfield Green, a "Quiet" town in Chase County, Kansas], History and photographs.
• [http://www.kansasphototour.com/rockne.htm Rockne Memorial], site of the TWA crash that killed Knute Rockne.
• [https://archive.org/download/usgs_drg_ks_38096_b5/o38096b5.tif Topo Map of Matfield Green area], USGS

{{Chase County, Kansas}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Kansas

Category:Cities in Chase County, Kansas

Category:Emporia, Kansas micropolitan area