An Economic History of Ellis County, Kansas

Authors

Danielle Knoll, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
Alison Helget, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
Matthew Lamunyon, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
Colton Wagner, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow
Daniel Robert McClure, Fort Hays State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Like many American rural communities in the second decade of the twenty-first century, Ellis County faces tough decisions regarding economic development, population growth, and sustainable strategies. This paper examines the history of the region since the early twentieth century, tracing the evolution of various industries—from oil to farming—and the different ways the community responded to the area and nation’s economic shifts. This “big picture” view of Ellis County operates as a starting point for strategizing paths forward for area residents.

Recommended Citation

Knoll, Danielle; Helget, Alison; Lamunyon, Matthew; Wagner, Colton; and McClure, Daniel Robert (2023) "An Economic History of Ellis County, Kansas," Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research: Vol. 6, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/aljsr/vol6/iss1/5