The rapid growth which has been so noticeable in this section of the state in recent years has resulted in bringing Cherokee County prominently before the entire world. Indeed, so rapid has this section grown that today it is recognized as one of the foremost counties of the Great State of Kansas, which is noted for its patriotism, loyalty and progress, and one of the most fertile fields of the Union.
Cherokee County occupies territory in the extreme Southeastern corner of the state, bordering on Missouri and Oklahoma. It was organized in 1866, and now has a population of upwards of 35,000. It is a great agricul-
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ing is carried on on an extensive scale in the territory tributary to Columbus, Scammon, Weir, Mineral, etc. An important factor in the progress of the county as well as the entire district is the Empire District Electric Company which operates one of the largest Hydro-electric power plants in this section at Lowell; also an immense steam plant at Riverton, Kans., supplying the whole district with efficient electric light and power service.
Cherokee County has 132.69 miles of railroad and is served by the Frisco, M. K. & T., Mo. Pac., M. O. & G. and N. E. O. railways and two Interurban lines.
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tural county, in spite of the fact that she has possibly more potential mineral wealth, chiefly lead, zinc and coal, than all other counties in the state combined. The soil varies from uplands to fine prairies and rich alluvial valleys.
The county seat is Columbus, located near the geographical center of the county. Among the other towns and trade centers of Cherokee County are Baxter Springs, Galena, Scammon, Weir, Mineral, Crestline, Hallowell and Treece.
Cherokee County has fourteen banks with aggregate deposits of approximately FOUR AND A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS.
Second in importance to Cherokee County's agricultural resources, is its mining interests. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of lead and zinc ore has been produced in the Galena and Baxter districts while coal min-
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Cherokee County produces and ships immense quantities of wheat, oats, corn, clover, alfalfa, cow peas, flax, prairie hay, broom corn, millet, sugar beets, sorghum, kaffir corn, sudan grass, and other crops common to this locality. In the production of prairie hay Cherokee is excelled by only four counties in the state. It is also a great poultry, dairy and live stock county. Upwards of $175,000 worth of poultry and eggs are marketed annually in the county. In addition to its railroads and interurban lines, Cherokee County boasts of a network of paved and graveled roads radiating in all directions. The climate of this section is ideal in both summer and winter months and general good health prevails during all seasons. Churches and up-to-date schools are numerous throughout the county.
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