Editing Dexter, Kansas

{{Short description|City in Cowley County, Kansas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name                     = Dexter, Kansas
|settlement_type          = [[City]]

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            =
|image_caption            =
|image_flag               =
|image_seal               =

<!-- Maps -->
|image_map                = Cowley_County_Kansas_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Dexter_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption              = Location within [[Cowley County, Kansas|Cowley County]] and [[Kansas]]
|image_map1               = Map of Cowley Co, Ks, USA.png
|map_caption1             = [[Kansas Department of Transportation|KDOT]] map of [[Cowley County, Kansas|Cowley County]] ([[:File:Kansas official transportation map legend.png|legend]])

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|37|10|46|N|96|42|58|W|region:US-KS|display=inline,title}}
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Kansas]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Kansas|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Cowley County, Kansas|Cowley]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1870
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        = 1875
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1884
|named_for                =

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     =
|government_type          = <!-- [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]] -->
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              =

<!-- Area -->
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_20.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi         = 0.28
|area_land_sq_mi          = 0.28
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.00
|area_total_km2           = 0.72
|area_land_km2            = 0.72
|area_water_km2           = 0.00
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 1188

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 224
|pop_est_footnotes        =
|pop_est_as_of            =
|population_est           =
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_km2   = auto

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code              = 67038
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code                = [[Area code 620|620]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 20-17925 
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 2394531<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|2394531}}</ref>
|website                  =
}}

'''Dexter''' is a city in [[Cowley County, Kansas|Cowley County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 224.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Dexter, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2017925 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406113714/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2017925 |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
The first post office at Dexter was established in July, 1870.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county:CL |title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961 (archived) |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |accessdate=6 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009131700/http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/county%3ACL |archivedate=October 9, 2013 }}</ref>

[[Plat]]ted in 1875,<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc. | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_o8X5krq3fP8C/page/n513 517]}}</ref> Dexter is named for a trotting horse belonging to Robert Bonner of New York.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=Govt. Print. Off. | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n104 105]}}</ref>

Early in the 20th century, Dexter became the focus of research that would confirm the existence of an abundance of naturally occurring and readily available [[helium]]. In May 1903, a newly drilled [[natural gas]] well was found to contain a nonflammable gas. Researchers at the [[University of Kansas]] found the “Dexter gas” contained only 15 percent methane and 72 percent nitrogen, causing the gas to be nonflammable. In addition they discovered helium within an “inert residue” in the gas and, after expanding their research to other wells throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, published a paper in 1907 saying that helium could be extracted from natural gas. Helium did not have any practical applications at the time, but by 1917 the federal government was sponsoring extensive research into the possibility of using helium in [[airship]]s.

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|0.29|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all  land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2012-07-06 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archivedate=2012-07-02 }}</ref>

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.  According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Dexter has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=621241&cityname=Dexter%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Dexter, Kansas]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1880= 146
|1890= 371
|1900= 380
|1910= 512
|1920= 497
|1930= 484
|1940= 424
|1950= 354
|1960= 291
|1970= 286
|1980= 366
|1990= 320
|2000= 364
|2010= 278
|2020= 224
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]] counted 224 people, 94 households, and 63 families in Dexter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: HOUSEHOLD TYPE |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref name=:0 /> The population density was 808.7 per square mile (312.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 102 housing units at an average density of 368.2 per square mile (142.2/km{{sup|2}}).<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table DP1: PROFILE OF GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDP2020.DP1?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20dp1 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2020/geo/gazetter-file.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> The racial makeup was 91.96% (206) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]] or [[European American]] (91.96% [[Non-Hispanic White|non-Hispanic white]]), 0.0% (0) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black]] or [[African American|African-American]], 0.89% (2) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]], 0.0% (0) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.0% (0) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] or [[Native Hawaiian]], 0.0% (0) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 7.14% (16) from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P1: RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20p1&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 0.45% (1) of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20p2&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

Of the 94 households, 31.9% had children under the age of 18; 54.3% were married couples living together; 26.6% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 29.8% of households consisted of individuals and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name=:0 /> The average household size was 4.0 and the average family size was 4.6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1101: HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1101?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s1101%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Those with a bachelor's degree or higher were estimated to be 23.7% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1501: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1501?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s1501%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

25.4% of the population was under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 16.5% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.3 males.<ref name=:0 /> For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 106.2 males.<ref name=:0 />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]] estimates show that the median household income was $45,703 (with a margin of error of +/- $9,968) and the median family income was $47,188 (+/- $9,760).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1903: MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s1903%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Females had a median income of $36,143 (+/- $649). The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,250 (+/- $24,274).<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S2001: EARNINGS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS) |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S2001?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s2001%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> Approximately, 8.0% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 18.2% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those ages 65 or over.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1701: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1701?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s1701%20&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Census Bureau, Table S1702: POVERTY STATUS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS OF FAMILIES |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1702?q=Dexter%20city,%20Kansas%20s1702&y=2020 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 278 people, 105 households, and 77 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|958.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 128 housing units at an average density of {{convert|441.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 3.6% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.4% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], and 0.7% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 105 households, of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.7% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 47.4 years. 20.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.1% were from 45 to 64; and 25.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

===2000 census===
According to the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 364 people, 119 households, and 81 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,309.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 133 housing units at an average density of {{convert|478.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 92.03% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.27% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 5.22% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.82% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.65% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 119 households, out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,656, and the median income for a family was $39,286. Males had a median income of $25,536 versus $18,125 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $12,615. About 14.1% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 23.4% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Area events==
* Blackdog Festival, celebrates the historic [[Black Dog Trail]], also known as the Great Osage Trail, created by [[Osage Nation|Osage Indian]] natives.<ref>{{Cite web
| title = DEXTER, "In The Flint Hills" KANSAS: BLACK DOG TRAIL..Photo of Chief Blackdog
| accessdate = 2012-01-14
| url = http://dexterks.blogspot.com/2007/07/black-dog-festival.html
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
| title = Full text of "Wah Kon Tah The Osage And White Man S Road"
| accessdate = 2012-01-14
| url = https://archive.org/stream/wahkontahtheosag012195mbp/wahkontahtheosag012195mbp_djvu.txt
}}</ref><ref>
{{Cite book
| publisher = Christopher Publishing House
| last = Tillie Karns Newman
| title = HathiTrust Digital Library - The Black Dog Trail.
| location = Boston
| accessdate = 2012-01-14
| year = 1957
| url = http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.%24b535851;page=root;view=image;size=100;seq=7;num=3
}}</ref>

==Area attractions==
* The "[[Oh Henry!]]" Candy Bar was invented by a man named Tom Henry of [[Arkansas City, Kansas|Arkansas City]], whose family ran a small candy factory on route [[K-15 (Kansas highway)|K-15]] in Dexter called "Henry's Candies".  The factory sold "Momma Henry" bars, which are near identical to the original "Oh Henry!" candy bar. The candy factory closed down in 2024.
* [http://www.kansastravel.org/cowleylakewaterfall.htm Cowley Lake Waterfall]

==Education==
The community is served by [[Dexter USD 471]] public school district.

==See also==
* [[Lighthouse Library/ECCRC|Lighthouse Library]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{See also|Cowley County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Cowley County, Kansas}}
* McCool, John H. [https://kuhistory.ku.edu/articles/high-helium This Week in KU History: December 7, 1905 “High On Helium”]. Detailing the discovery of helium by KU's chemistry professors.

==External links==
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/Default.asp?id=41260649 Dexter - Directory of Public Officials]
* {{YouTube|Irqgxp62_wY|The Lighthouse Library}}, from ''Hatteberg's People'' on [[KAKE]] TV news
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/cowley.PDF Cowley County map], KDOT

{{Cowley County, Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Cowley County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1875]]
[[Category:1875 establishments in Kansas]]