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Shawnee County, Kansas

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Shawnee County, Kansas
CountyShawnee County
StateKansas
FoundedAugust 25, 1855
SeatTopeka
Largest cityTopeka
Area total sq mi556
Area land sq mi550
Area water sq mi5.6
Population as of2020
Population total178,909
Population density sq mi325.3
Time zoneCentral
Named forShawnee tribe
District2nd

Shawnee County, Kansas is a county located in the northeastern part of the state. Its county seat and largest city is Topeka, which also serves as the capital of Kansas. Established during the tumultuous Bleeding Kansas period, the county is a central hub for state government, commerce, and transportation. The county is named for the Shawnee tribe, which was historically settled in the area.

History

Shawnee County was officially established by the Kansas Territorial Legislature on August 25, 1855, amidst the violent conflict over slavery known as Bleeding Kansas. The area was originally home to the Kaw people and later the Shawnee after their forced relocation via the Indian Removal Act. The founding of Topeka in 1854 by Cyrus K. Holliday and other New England Emigrant Aid Company settlers was a pivotal anti-slavery act. Topeka's selection as the permanent state capital in 1861 cemented the county's political importance. Significant historical events include the 1863 Quantrill's Raid on nearby Lawrence and the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, which originated from Topeka's segregated school system. The county also weathered the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 556 square miles, of which 550 square miles is land and 5.6 square miles is water. The county is situated in the Kansas River Valley, with the Kansas River flowing eastward through its center. Major tributaries include the Wakarusa River in the south and the Soldier Creek in the north. The terrain transitions from river lowlands to rolling Flint Hills uplands in the western part of the county. It is bordered by Jackson County to the north, Jefferson County to the northeast, Douglas County to the east, Osage County to the south, and Wabaunsee County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 178,909, making it the third-most populous county in Kansas. The racial makeup was approximately 74.5% White, 8.7% African American, 1.2% Native American, 1.4% Asian American, and 8.6% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 13.5% of the population. The population density was about 325 people per square mile. Major population centers are concentrated in Topeka and smaller incorporated cities like Silver Lake, Rossville, and Auburn.

Government

Shawnee County operates under a commission-manager form of government. The three-member Board of County Commissioners is elected from districts, and they appoint a County Counselor and a County manager. The county is part of the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas, represented in the United States House of Representatives. Other key elected officials include the Sheriff, the County Clerk, and the District Attorney. The Kansas State Capitol and offices for the Governor of Kansas, Kansas Legislature, and Kansas Supreme Court are all located within the county in Topeka.

Economy

The economy of Shawnee County is dominated by state government, with major employers including the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the Kansas Department of Revenue. Health care is another significant sector, led by institutions like Stormont Vail Health and the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus. Manufacturing is represented by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company plant and Frito-Lay facilities. Financial services firms such as Security Benefit and CoreFirst Bank & Trust are headquartered in Topeka. The county is also a regional retail and distribution center.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by several public school districts, including Topeka Public Schools, Auburn-Washburn USD 437, Seaman USD 345, and Shawnee Heights USD 450. Higher education institutions are anchored by Washburn University, a public university with a law school, the Washburn University School of Law. Kansas State University also maintains a research and extension presence in the county. The Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park in Topeka serves as an educational monument to the civil rights movement.

Transportation

Major highways include Interstate 70, which runs east-west, and Interstate 470, a southern bypass loop. Key U.S. Routes are U.S. 75 (north-south) and U.S. 24 (east-west). Union Pacific Railroad operates major freight lines through the county. Public air travel is served by Topeka Regional Airport, which offers general aviation and limited commercial service. The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority provides public bus transportation within the city of Topeka.

Category:Shawnee County, Kansas Category:Kansas counties Category:1855 establishments in Kansas Territory