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Atchison County KSGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the Kansas county. It is a member of KSGenWeb, which is a member of USGenWeb®. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of Atchison County ancestors.

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Co-County Coordinator: YOU? If you have a sincere interest in the genealogy of Atchison County , and if you are willing to help others along their family history journey, but website maintenance doesn't appeal to you, consider becoming a Co-CC. As Co-CC you would reply to email inquiries, contribute content, monitor the website, .... Contact me to give it a try.

County Coordinator: Rebecca Maloney maloneys7193@gmail.com

COUNTY FORMATION

Atchison County, Kansas, was officially established on August 30, 1855, by the Territorial Legislature. Originally carved from original territorial lands, it was named in honor of David Rice Atchison, a U.S. Senator from Missouri. The county and its namesake town were founded as strongholds for pro-slavery settlers during the tumultuous "Bleeding Kansas" era.Situated in the northeastern corner of the state along the Missouri River, Atchison quickly evolved into a bustling commercial gateway and a vital transportation hub. Its history is defined by its role as a departure point for pioneers, stagecoaches, and wagon trains heading West.
Key Milestones
August 30, 1855: Atchison County is formally founded and organized by the territorial government.
February 12, 1858: The city of Atchison—the county seat—is formally incorporated.1860s Railroad Boom: In 1860, the county became the first in Kansas to secure railroad connections, cementing its status as an industrial and agricultural center.
Civil War: Though originally established to promote slavery, the area had divided loyalties and ultimately contributed several militia and infantry companies to the Union cause.