Mankato and Jewell County, Kansas

 

Jewell County, Kansas, contains 900 square miles and is bounded on the north by the state of Nebraska. Jewell was one of the counties on the line of the historic Pawnee road, and also one of the counties crossed by Lieutenant Zebulon Pike in 1806. The area features rolling prairie gradually rising to table lands in the central portion. Branches of the Republican and Solomon rivers form the area's water system.

Downtown Mankato, the county seat of Jewell County, features several turn-of-the-century buildings, including the old brick bank and the Ute Theatre. The theatre has been refurbished and again shows movies. Another landmark is the old YMCA building, which today houses the Mankato Library.

The old stone Jewell County jail is one of several buildings that comprise the Jewell County Historical Society Museum. The jail is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is being restored.

Area residents and visitors can enjoy nearby Lovewell Lake and State Park, and Glen Elder Reservoir, which feature a variety of water sports and activities.

Jewell County is solidly within what is known as "Post Rock Country," typified by unique limestone that can be quarried and cut with regular tools, then exposed to the elements to harden. Post Rock served many functions, including providing miles and miles of fence post which can be seen today. This part of Kansas is the real "home on the range" that inspired Dr. Brewster Higley to write the song which is now our Kansas state song.

 

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