On November 11, 1866, Fort
Ellsworth became Fort Harker, which was later to become the town
of Kanopolis. Fort Harker was the distributing point for all
military points farther west and was one of the most important
military stations west of the Missouri River.
Once Fort Harker was no longer needed as a military
installation, it was sold and given the name of Kanopolis
because it was envisioned as the “Central Metropolis” of the
state and in due time was to be its capitol. It was laid out to
provide for a city of 150,000 people by the Kanopolis Land
Company.
Kanopolis was incorporated January 6, 1887.“The Kanopolis
Journal”, a weekly newspaper of Kanopolis printed and
distributed 50,000 sample copies that were sent back East to
promote “The Future Great City” of central Kansas with an
unequalled location and natural advantages. This issue dated
May 24, 1890, told of two large hotels, a hardware store, roller
mill, woolen mills, foundry and irons works, carriage works, an
earthenware works, an elevator, the Union Pacific depot, three
churches and a school.
Although Kanopolis did not reach the proportion that the early
planners had hoped and worked for, the town has prospered
through the years. Many of the early business places have
disappeared and new ones have taken their places. We have a
library and community center on the attractive park grounds. We
also are the home of the Kanopolis Middle School “Bulldogs”.
We invite you to come enjoy our hospitality during July for the
annual “Fort Harker Days” and over Labor Day for the “St.
Ignatius Fiesta”. Both activities showcase the heritage of
Kanopolis.
