Communities (original) (raw)

Ransom

Ransom, Kansas is located in Ness County on K-4 near US 283 in southwestern Kansas. Ransom's downtown offers several amenities. Ransom is just 20 minutes from Cedar Bluff State Park & Lake where one can enjoy hunting and fishing.

Ransom provides the friendly atmosphere of a western farming and ranching community and the opportunity to experience a change of pace and hidden charm in the heart of Western Kansas' wheat and cattle county. Excellent hunting for pheasants, other game birds and deer is an area feature.

Ransom was originally called Ogdensberg, from it’s establishment in 1887, until October 1st, 1888. The name of Ransom, is to honor General Thomas E.G. Ransom, who served during the Civil war with General Sherman.

Utica

Utica, Kansas is located in northern Ness County on Hwy 4. Known as the southern routes to Castle Rock, Utica has many things to offer, including a beautiful city park and shelter house. Utica was named by early pioneer C.W. Bell who was from Utica, New York.

Arnold

Founded: 1902 / ZIP code: 67515 / Population: 28 (2000) Elevation: 2563 feet / Latitude: 38° 38' 25" N / Longitude: 100° 2' 45" W

Bazine

Bazine, Kansas is located in Ness County on Hwy 96 between Ness City and Rush Center in southwest Kansas. Here one can enjoy geo-caching, the city park, and the mystical western Kansas landscape.

Located just east of Bazine, the "Christ Pilot Me” hill and marker, is one of The 8 Wonders of Ness County. The original inspiration began in early 1940, during WWII. Kenneth R. Timken, a Bazine schoolteacher, sat in his living room listening to a recording of “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me.” He thought how nice the words “Christ Pilot Me” would look on Robert & Mary (Ryersee) Marshall’s hill. Late in August of 1940, 40 youth from Bazine churches laid the rock bearing the prayerful expression. It has become an area landmark for both motorists and aviators.

Another of The 8 Wonders of Ness County is Bazine Limestone, just turn south on Main Street then go east on Farnsworth 2 blocks. Glenn Schniepp’s quarry on the farm southeast of Bazine was first used in the 1870’s by J.E. Farnsworth. Mr. Farnsworth’s stone barn, located south of the house, is one of Ness County’s prized historical artifacts. The barn was 100’ by 50’ with a full hayloft and living quarters.

Beeler

Beeler, Kanas, located on Highway 96 in western Ness County, lies between Dighton and Ness City in southwest Kansas.

An historical marker featuring George Washington Carver, is located on the south side of the highway at Beeler. The marker is one of The 8 Wonders of Ness County. Carver, an African American, was one of America’s greatest scientists. He revolutionized agriculture in the south with his discoveries. From sweet potatoes and peanuts alone, he made paints, soap, wallboard, milk substitute, medicines, cosmetics and some 500 other products. A mile and a half south of the historical marker is the quarter section of land originally homesteaded by Carver (SE/4 of 4-19-26). Carver moved to Ness County 1886. That October, having decided on the land that he wished to homestead, he built a sod house and occupied it while working his claim, which finalized in 1888.

Indian Hill is another one of The 8 Wonders of Ness County. Located near Beeler 3 ¾ miles north of marker C. Visitors will see a silhouette of a steel Indian on top of the hill. In 1988, Warren B. Sherwin purchased Indian Hill Ranch from the Nuttle family of Arnold. In 2003, he asked Brad Dinges to sculpt a steel figure of an Indian sitting on a horse. The Dinges family and Mr. Sherwin placed the steel sculpture of the horse and Indian rider at its current location. It has been said that an Indian battle occurred on top of “Indian Hill,” thus the naming of the hill. Still visible, ridges on the hill are what remain of trenches that the white men dug to help defend themselves; it is also reported that shell casings & arrowheads have been found on the hill.

Brownell

Zip Code: 67521 / Population: 48 (2000) / Elevation: 2,415 feet / Latitude: 38° 38’ 23” N / Longitude: 99° 44’ 45” W