Thomas County (standard abbreviation: TH) is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 7,930. Its county seat is Colby.
| Name: | Thomas County |
|---|---|
| FIPS code: | 20-193 |
| State: | Kansas |
| Founded: | October 8, 1885 |
| Named for: | George Henry Thomas |
| Seat: | Colby |
| Largest city: | Colby |
| Total Area: | 1,075 sq mi (2,780 km²) |
| Land Area: | 1,075 sq mi (2,780 km²) |
| Total Population: | 7,930 |
| Population Density: | 7.4/sq mi (2.9/km²) |
| Time zone: | UTC−6 (Central) |
| Summer Time Zone (DST): | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Website: | ThomasCountyKS.com |
Thomas County location map. Where is Thomas 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. Thomas County was founded on October 8, 1885. It was named for George Henry Thomas, a Union general during the American Civil War, hero of the Battle of Chickamauga. The townships of the county were named after the soldiers that died at the Battle of Chickamauga.
Thomas County Road Map
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,075 square miles (2,780 km), of which 1,075 square miles (2,780 km) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km) (0.01%) is water.
Major highways
- Interstate 70
- U.S. Highway 24
- U.S. Highway 83
- Kansas Highway 25
Adjacent counties
- Rawlins County (north)
- Decatur County (northeast)
- Sheridan County (east)
- Gove County (southeast)
- Logan County (south)
- Sherman County (west/Mountain Time border)
Thomas County Topographic Map
Thomas County Satellite Map
Thomas County Outline Map
