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Eureka Kansas History
"Eureka!" - ("I found it") - shouted one of the small bands of hardy pioneers who in August of 1857 discovered a spring of cool , clear water not far from what is now known as Fall River. Abundant drinking water was a strong factor in their search for a place to settle; therefore, they soon agreed that they had found an ideal place and laid claim to the area for a town site they chose to name "Eureka".
Makeshift cabins and shanties became temporary homes and Fort Montgomery was built as a defense against Indians, but they offered no problems. In 1872, Eureka was chosen to be the Greenwood County seat and a courthouse was built.
Most of the earliest pioneers sought and found fertile land along the rivers and streams. Later, settlers had to be satisfied with the hill land which was covered with native grass. Ironically, that grass proved to be among the most nutritious in the world. Cattle ranching soon became a powerful force, and Eureka became it's hub. Two railroads were built through the town. The elegant Greenwood Hotel was completed in 1884, and became the rendezvous of the local ranch owners, the Texan cattle owners, and the Kansas City buyers.
Oil was discovered in the county in 1917 and for many years it brought prosperity to Eureka and the county. Almost one hundred years later, oil is still an important source of revenue for the area.
From the desk of Ian Martell
As many of you know, we are in the process of establishing a City level Historic District. The boundaries will be available soon. This offers benefits to property owners and the City. There will be regulations regarding the protection of the historic buildings, architectural signs and the redevelopment of the Historic District. This will create continuity and a sense of place, this is valuable to everyone. This will attract more visitors and should bring about new business.
Along with that effort we will be moving vigilantly to enforce the rules and regulations that are in place regarding building issues and health and safety issues. Some of you will see notices of infractions and we hope you will see this as a positive action to protect people, neighborhoods and commerce in the City of Eureka. If these notices should create a hardship for you we encourage you to contact the Eureka Foundation, there may be some help available. I look forward to working with the community to solve these problems and build a better Eureka.
Ian Martell
City of Eureka Government
Memorial Hall houses the City Administration offices. The City Council meets here. The Council includes:
Mike Pitko
Cammie Wilson
Michael Countryman
Brandon Hall
Kevin Lawrence
Larry Whipple
Brian Mills
The City Clerk, Water billing Department and the City Administrators Offices are here.
In times gone by the hall was used for community gatherings. It houses a 3/4 gym floor with stage at the west end and two balconies for seating. With a capacity of around 800, a full house would be something to see.
