Bourbon County (county code BB) is a county located in Southeast Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 14,360. Its county seat and most populous city is Fort Scott.
| Name: | Bourbon County |
|---|---|
| FIPS code: | 20-011 |
| State: | Kansas |
| Founded: | August 25, 1855 |
| Named for: | Bourbon County, Kentucky |
| Seat: | Fort Scott |
| Largest city: | Fort Scott |
| Total Area: | 639 sq mi (1,660 km²) |
| Land Area: | 635 sq mi (1,640 km²) |
| Total Population: | 14,360 |
| Population Density: | 22.6/sq mi (8.7/km²) |
| Time zone: | UTC−6 (Central) |
| Summer Time Zone (DST): | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Website: | BourbonCountyKS.org |
Bourbon County location map. Where is Bourbon County?
History
Early history
For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.
19th century
In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France, but keeping title to about 7,500 square miles. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1855, Bourbon County was established.
21st century
Bourbon virus, a new strain of thogotovirus, was first discovered in Bourbon County. In the spring of 2014 an otherwise healthy man was bitten by a tick, contracting the virus, dying 11 days later from organ failure.
Bourbon County Road Map
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 639 square miles (1,660 km), of which 635 square miles (1,640 km) is land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km) (0.6%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Linn County (north)
- Vernon County, Missouri (east)
- Crawford County (south)
- Neosho County (southwest)
- Allen County (west)
- Anderson County (northwest)
National protected area
- Fort Scott National Historic Site
Major highways
Sources: National Atlas, U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Route 54
- U.S. Route 69
- Kansas Highway 3
- Kansas Highway 7
- Kansas Highway 31
- Kansas Highway 39
- Kansas Highway 65
Bourbon County Topographic Map
Bourbon County Satellite Map
Bourbon County Outline Map
