Map of Rice County, Kansas

Rice County (standard abbreviation: RC) is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 9,427. The largest city and county seat is Lyons. The county was named in memory of Samuel Allen Rice, Brigadier-General, United States volunteers, killed April 30, 1864, at Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas.

Rice County overview:
Name:Rice County
FIPS code:20-159
State:Kansas
Founded:February 26, 1867
Named for:Samuel Allen Rice
Seat:Lyons
Largest city:Lyons
Total Area:728 sq mi (1,890 km²)
Land Area:726 sq mi (1,880 km²)
Total Population:9,427
Population Density:13.0/sq mi (5.0/km²)
Time zone:UTC−6 (Central)
Summer Time Zone (DST):UTC−5 (CDT)
Website:ricecounty.us

Rice County location map. Where is Rice County?

Rice County location on the U.S. Map. Where is Rice County.
Location of Rice County in the the United States.
Rice County location on the Kansas map. Where is Rice County.
Location of Rice County in Kansas.

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 1867, Rice County was established.

The Santa Fe Trail followed the route of present-day U.S. Route 56. Ruts in the earth from the trail are still visible in several locations. (Ralph’s Ruts are visible in aerial photos at 38°21′35″N 98°25′20″W / 38.35959264°N 98.42225502°W / 38.35959264; -98.42225502.)

In 1878, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and parties from Marion County and McPherson County chartered the Marion and McPherson Railway Company. In 1879, a branch line was built from Florence to McPherson, in 1880 it was extended to Lyons, in 1881 it was extended to Ellinwood. The line was leased and operated by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The line from Florence to Marion, was abandoned in 1968. In 1992, the line from Marion to McPherson was sold to Central Kansas Railway. In 1993, after heavy flood damage, the line from Marion to McPherson was abandoned. The original branch line connected Florence, Marion, Canada, Hillsboro, Lehigh, Canton, Galva, McPherson, Conway, Windom, Little River, Mitchell, Lyons, Chase, Ellinwood.

Rice County Road Map

Rice CountyStreet Map.
Street map of Rice County, Kansas. Source: OpenStreetMap (OSM)
Rice CountyMap
Rice Countypolitical map.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 728 square miles (1,890 km), of which 726 square miles (1,880 km) is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4 km) (0.2%) is water.

Adjacent counties

National protected area

  • Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (part)

Rice County Topographic Map

Topographic Map of Rice County, Kansas
Rice County Topo map.

Rice County Satellite Map

Satellite Map of Rice County, Kansas
Rice County satellite map.

Rice County Outline Map

Outline Map of Rice County, Kansas
Rice County outline map.

See also

Map of Kansas State and its subdivision: Map of other states:
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