Cherokee County, Kansas is located in the southeastern corner of the state and is part of the Pittsburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. With an estimated population of 21,717 people, Cherokee County is one of the most populous counties in Kansas. The county seat is Columbus, which has a population of around 1,400 people.
According to photionary.com, the first inhabitants of Cherokee County were Native Americans who lived in the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. They belonged to several different tribes including the Osage, Quapaw, and Pawnee. In 1859, when Kansas became a state, Cherokee County was officially established and named after the Cherokee Indians who had once lived there.
Today, Cherokee County offers visitors a variety of attractions to explore including historic sites like Fort Scott National Historic Site or Fort Larned National Historic Site; outdoor recreation at places like Beattie Park or Lake Scott State Park; and unique shopping experiences at places like Galena Trading Post or Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum.
Cherokee County also has its fair share of famous people. Some notable residents include actor Brad Pitt who was born in Shawnee Mission; baseball legend George Brett who grew up in El Dorado; and singer/songwriter Patty Griffin who hails from Baxter Springs.
With its rich history and abundance of attractions to explore, it’s no wonder why so many people call Cherokee County home. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just a peaceful place to relax, this county has something for everyone.
Climate and weather in Cherokee County, Kansas
According to act-test-centers.com, Cherokee County, Kansas has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The county is located in the southeastern corner of the state, so it is influenced by warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and dry air from the Great Plains. During the summer months, temperatures average in the mid 70s Fahrenheit (21-23°C), with highs reaching into the upper 90s (30-35°C). Winters are cold with temperatures averaging in the low 30s Fahrenheit (0-2°C) and highs reaching into the upper 40s (7-9°C).
Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of around 36 inches. Snowfall typically ranges from 10 to 20 inches per year, although some years have seen higher totals.
The spring season brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. In April and May, temperatures range from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10-24°C) during daytime hours. Thunderstorms are also common during this time of year as cold air masses clash with warm air masses over Cherokee County.
Summer is hot and humid with high temperatures reaching into the 90s (30-35°C). Thunderstorms are common during this season as well due to frequent clashes between warm moist air and cooler dry air coming down from Canada.
Autumn is usually mild with cool nights and pleasant days. Temperatures range from 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (4 -18°C) during daytime hours. This season is also marked by beautiful foliage as trees prepare for winter hibernation.
Winter can be cold but can also bring mild days depending on where a cold front has stalled out or if a strong wind is blowing down from Canada bringing Arctic air masses southward. Temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 -4°C) during daytime hours, although lows can dip below zero at times (-18°C). Snowfall usually begins in late November or early December and continues through March or April depending on how far north one goes in Cherokee County.
Transportation in Cherokee County, Kansas
Cherokee County, Kansas has a variety of transportation options available to its residents. The county is served by a network of highways, roads, and streets that make it easy for residents to get around the area. The main highway that runs through the county is U.S. Route 400, which connects the county with nearby cities such as Pittsburg and Parsons. There are also several state routes that connect Cherokee County with other cities in Kansas, including Missouri and Oklahoma. In addition to driving, public transportation is also available in Cherokee County. The county’s public transit system is operated by the South East Kansas Area Regional Transit (SEKART), which provides bus service throughout the county and connections to other areas in Southeast Kansas. SEKART also operates vanpools for commuters who have similar routes and schedules. Additionally, there are several taxi companies that operate in Cherokee County and provide services to local residents as well as visitors from out of town. For those looking for more independent travel options, bicycle lanes are provided on many roads throughout the county for cyclists who wish to explore the area or commute to work or school.
Cities and towns in Cherokee County, Kansas
According to countryaah, Cherokee County, Kansas is home to a variety of cities and towns. The county seat is Columbus, which is the largest city in the county with a population of over 4,000. Columbus is home to several businesses, restaurants, and parks as well as the Cherokee County Historical Museum. Other cities in Cherokee County include Weir and Baxter Springs. Weir is a small community with just over 700 residents that lies along U.S. Route 400 and was once an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Baxter Springs is located on the Oklahoma-Kansas border and has a population of around 4,400 people. It serves as an important commercial center for the region with several businesses and restaurants located in town. There are also several smaller towns located throughout Cherokee County such as Galena, Thayer, West Mineral, Treece, Scammon, Waco, and Riverton. Each of these towns has its own unique character with local businesses, historic sites, parks and recreational activities available for visitors to enjoy.
