| Name: | Jewell County |
|---|---|
| FIPS code: | 20-089 |
| State: | Kansas |
| Founded: | February 26, 1887 |
| Named for: | Lewis R. Jewell |
| Seat: | Mankato |
| Largest city: | Mankato |
| Total Area: | 914 sq mi (2,370 km²) |
| Land Area: | 910 sq mi (2,400 km²) |
| Total Population: | 2,932 |
| Population Density: | 3.2/sq mi (1.2/km²) |
| Time zone: | UTC−6 (Central) |
| Summer Time Zone (DST): | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Website: | jewellcountykansas.net |
Jewell County location map. Where is Jewell 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 1887, Jewell County was established and named for Lieutenant Colonel Lewis R. Jewell of the 6th Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry.
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City) to Superior, Nebraska. This branch line connected Strong City, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick, Lost Springs, Jacobs, Hope, Navarre, Enterprise, Abilene, Talmage, Manchester, Longford, Oak Hill, Miltonvale, Aurora, Huscher, Concordia, Kackley, Courtland, Webber, Superior. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called “Strong City and Superior line” but later the name was shortened to the “Strong City line”. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad and renamed to the current BNSF Railway. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the “Santa Fe”.
Jewell County Road Map
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 914 square miles (2,370 km), of which 910 square miles (2,400 km) is land and 4.6 square miles (12 km) (0.5%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Nuckolls County, Nebraska (northeast)
- Republic County (east)
- Cloud County (southeast)
- Mitchell County (south)
- Osborne County (southwest)
- Smith County (west)
- Webster County, Nebraska (northwest)
Jewell County Topographic Map
Jewell County Satellite Map
Jewell County Outline Map
