Founded in 1880, Graham County was named after Captain John L. Graham, 8th Kansas Regiment, who was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga. The county seat is Hill City, also established in 1880. Other past (*) and present towns in the county include Bogue, *Gettysburg, *Millbrook, Morland, Nicodemus, Penokee, *Roscoe, St. Peter, *Smithfield, *Springfield, Studley, *Togo & *Fagan.
Graham County is located on the eastern edge of the High Plains. Its total area is about 899 square miles or 575,079 acres. The land is described as rolling plains, with an elevation range from 1,900 feet on the eastern edge of the county to 2,600 feet in the northwest corner. It is located 108 miles southwest of the geographic center of the continental United States [near Lebanon, Kansas].
With a typically continental climate, the average growing season is 180 days and the average rainfall is 22.66 inches. Of this, 77% usually falls in April through September. Summer temperatures average 76.2 degrees and winter temperatures average 30.3 degrees. Low humidity is a plus, while typical Kansas winds remind residents of their location on the high plains. The sun shines an average of 263 days yearly.
Graham County’s main industry is agriculture. Crops include hard red winter wheat, milo or maize, soybeans, and irrigated corn [in the northwest part of the county]. Dry land no-till corn is making some headway, as well as sunflowers. Beef cattle are an important element, comprised of individual farmers’ cow-calf herds and finishing facilities supplied by Riverside Feeders of Penokee.
The oil industry has been an important part of Graham County history, but it is now a declining part of the economy. Millions of barrels of crude oil have been extracted from the county, but though they are still in production, new development is limited. Much of the economic infrastructure is designed to service people or businesses who are either actively involved in or retired from these industries.
Graham County’s best asset is its people. A diversified group of individuals have settled the community, bringing with them elements of German, French, Afro-American and other cultures, although no single culture predominates. Visitors often comment on the openness and friendliness of the Graham County communities.