Decatur County Kansas
County Seat: Oberlin, Incorporated 1885
Founded: 1880
Population:
   3,472  (2000)
   4,021  (1990)
   6,121  (1960)
   9,234  (1900)
Area: 894 Square Miles
 

The first record found is that of a expedition crossing Decatur County lead by  Fremont in 1843.
The first white settlers of the county were buffalo hunters and trappers who arrived in the winter of 1872 & 1873. By early spring of 1873, Decatur county was receiving a early rush of immigrants.
Until 1872 Decatur County was known only as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Decatur County was Organized in 1875, and the boundaries defined by the legislature. The Governors proclamation was issued December 11th, 1879 after it was determined the population was 2,561.  Decatur county was named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a distinguished American naval officer, who fell in a duel with Commodore Barron, United States Navy, in 1808.
*Information compiled from "Decatur County Then and Now" Jubilee Edition
 

 
Oberlin was the site of the last Indian raid in Kansas on September 30, 1878 when settlers were attacked by the Cheyenne under the leadership of Dull Knife. 40 settlers were massacred, for more information on this, read the first hand account (Link at the bottom of the page).
 
"Decatur County Now and Then" Jubilee Edition 1885- 1960, has great information on the history of Decatur County and the families who first lived here. Contact the Chamber how how to buy this book. E-Mail

Story on the Last Indian Raid Website Link
 
William G. Cutler's "History of Kansas", first published in 1883, tells about Early Decatur County.

Decatur County Cemeteries: RootsWeb. Com

National Register of Historic Places In Decatur County

Kansas State Historical Society

Civil War Records for Kansas
 
The Special Collections of the Ablah Library at WSU contain historical images of Lyle and Norcatur.

Stories From Early Settlers 1
Indian Raid 1878
First Hand Account
(Original Copy at Decatur County Museum)

If you know of any websites with Decatur County History please
E-Mail the URL so we can include a link to their website.

Decatur County Chamber of Commerce
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