The spirit of unrest which now prevails in the states east of the Missouri river seems to have contributed to a widespread desire for a change of base and as the "Star of Empire" courses its way westward all eyes are turned toward the setting sun, to the fertile prairies of northwestern Kansas for some sign of encouragement, and all ears listen for tidings from this land of promise. The success of the home seekers in this section of "Uncle Sam's" domain has inspired multitudes to follow and try anew their fortunes where success has crowned the efforts of so many.

Norton county Kansas is situated in the northern tier of counties and west of the center of the state. The county is thirty miles square, containing 576,000 acres of land, and hardly one acre of wasteland in the entire county. The county has a population of 11,000 people; pupils in school, 3,719. Of this latter 412 are in the city of Norton.

Norton County is in a prosperous condition, and at the present low price of real estate offers opportunities for the home seeker and the investor that cannot be surpassed in the United States. The land is very fertile, easily tilled, free from stone, stumps and weeds and very productive. Corn, oats, wheat and alfalfa are the principal crops. Of the latter Norton county stands second in the state in production. Cane, pota­toes, Kaffir corn and millet are also profitable crops, and are extensively cultivated. While partial crop failures are experienced occasionally for want of sufficient moisture, it is far more profitable to farm in Norton County than in the most favored states east of the Missouri river. This is patent to all who are familiar with both sec­tions. In the first place the land is not so expensive, and interest on the capital involved will not amount to more than twenty-five per cent of the amount it does in the older states. The soil is light and easily tilled, as it lies in large bodies and the plowman does not lose valuable time in "turning short corners," but the energy of him­self and team are profitably employed all day long.  In the second place what is termed a good crop in Norton coun­ty is fully twice as much as can be raised to the acre in Iowa and Illinois, and we mention these states for the reason that they stand at the head of the list of the states mentioned. The whole matter summed up is this: A man can farm twice as much in Norton county as he could in the eastern states, and would harvest about four times as much for the same amount of labor expended. The markets are most as good and one crop every two years would make Norton county superior to the older states as a farming commu­nity, and when it is known that a partial failure is the exception and not the rule it will be seen that this section holds out strong inducements for the home seeker and capitalist as well.

The climate is all that could be asked. The county has an elevation of about 2,300 feet above sea level, and the air is dry and exhilarating, free from malaria of all kinds.

Stock growing is an important branch of business and large numbers are grown annually. Here the corn and cattle are both grown upon the same farm, the cattle and hogs fat­ted and driven to market. The well-known buffalo grass and the blue stem are natives of Norton County. Tame grasses of all kind grow to perfection and this combined with plenty of pure water makes an ideal stock country. Vegetables of all kinds thrive well, and fruits, especially of the small varieties, are not surpassed in size or flavor.  The whole truth in a nutshell is, Norton County is a first-class farm­ing section, and land is low in comparison with other farming communities, while good society, churches and schools are already established.

Three railroads, the Rock Island, the B. & M. and the Union Pacific, cross the county from east to west, which af­fords excellent shipping facilities.

The county is traversed by the Prai­rie Dog, Sappa and Salmon Rivers, while the entire county is underlaid with a sheet of water of the finest qualities.

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©2002 by Sharleen Wurm  
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