Strong City in Chase County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park
Strong City, Kansas
— Established 1990 —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
1. W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park Marker
The town of Strong City originated in March of 1871 when the Santa Fe Railroad was completed to the point then known as Cottonwood Station. Strong City was referred to as Cottonwood Station until 1881. In February of 1881 a petition was signed by a majority of the citizens and presented to the legislature asking that the body officially change the name to Strong. It was approved and Cottonwood Station was renamed in honor of William Barstow (W.B.) Strong, General Superintendent and later, President of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. In 1945 "City" was added to the name Strong.
A six stall roundhouse employed many workers and was active 1887 to 1938.
The original depot burned in 1902 and was replaced in 1903. In 1913, due in part to the very heavy passenger and freight traffic, a new brick depot trimmed in native cut limestone was built for a cost of $20,000. The new depot was one of the best in the Santa Fe System.
The caboose was donated by Santa Fe in 1990.
Erected by City of Strong City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1881.
Location. 38° 23.683′ N, 96° 32.367′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Strong City (a few steps from this marker); Cottonwood River Bridges at Cottonwood Falls (approx. 1.3 miles away); Cottonwood River Dam (approx. 1.3 miles away); Bates Grove and the Area Adjacent to the Cottonwood River Dam (approx. 1.3 miles away); Chase County and the City of Cottonwood Falls (approx. 1.3 miles away); Connecting the Chase County Community (approx. 1.4 miles away); Oldest Operating Courthouse in Kansas (approx. 1.7 miles away); Chase County War Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Strong City Santa Fe Depot National Register Nomination. (Submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. William Barstow Strong. (Submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
2. W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park Marker
Photographed By The Cosmopolitan, 1893
3. William Barstow Strong
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
4. W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park Sign
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
5. Former Santa Fe Depot, Strong City
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
6. Looking North On Cottonwood Street, Strong City
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
