Ellsworth

Formed February 26, 1867 (47^th county)

Ellsworth County (6,383), Ellsworth (3,071)

The Modern concrete and rock building is like many in western Kansas.  This structure was built in 1950.  The interior features marble columns, walls, and stairs.  It is sited on Kansas Street between 1^st and 2^nd streets.  Kansas State Highway 14 is one block east.  Mann & Company are the architects.  An outstanding courthouse preceded this one dating from 1873.  The county was formed on February 26, 1867 from Native American Territory as the 47^th county with Ellsworth as the only county seat.  The county is named for the fort which is named for Lieutenant Allen Ellsworth who led the fort’s construction.  The county seat is named for the county. 

Ellsworth County government consists of a sheriff and 3 Commissioners.  Seven District Court Judges serve Ellsworth, Barton, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties.  The county is in central Kansas immediately west of Salina, Kansas.  The Smoky Hill River flows through the county.  The county center is 9.8 miles South of Ellsworth.  The county is surrounded clockwise by Rooks, Osborne, Russell, Rush, Ness, and Trego counties. 

The area of the county is 716 square miles.  It is 66 out of 105 in the state.  It ranks 55 out of 105 in population in the state.  It has a density of 8.9 persons per square mile making it 51 out of 105 in the state.  Ellsworth County has 76.9% of its population in its incorporated areas.  Interstate Highway 70 crosses east to west through the county from Saline County to Russell County.  United States Highway 40 is combined with Interstate Highway 70 from Saline to Russell counties.  The county is a rectangle.  The City of Ellsworth is located slightly north and west of the county center.  Ellsworth is the county seat and the largest city.  It is 48.1% of the county population.