Lancaster, an incorporated town of Atchison county, is located in the northern portion on the Missouri Pacific R. R. 11 miles west of Atchison, the county seat. It was platted in 1857 by J. W. Smith, president of a town company, and a postoffice was established the same year. In 1858 Mr. Smith contributed the money for the erection of a union church, in which the first religious services were held in August. Business blocks were built, a hotel and school house were erected, the town became the supply point for the surrounding country, and aspired to county seat honors. It has banking facilities, a money order postoffice, telegraph and express offices, a good local trade, and in 1910 reported a population of 220.