Editing Wamego, Kansas

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

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

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

<!-- Location -->
|coordinates_footnotes    = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|coordinates              = {{coord|39|12|18|N|96|18|36|W|region:US-KS_type:city|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        = [[Pottawatomie County, Kansas|Pottawatomie]]
|subdivision_type3        = [[List of townships in Kansas|Township]]
|subdivision_name3        =

<!-- Established -->
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         =
|established_title1       = [[Platted]]
|established_date1        = 1866
|established_title2       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date2        = 1869
|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|access-date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi         = 2.41
|area_land_sq_mi          = 2.37
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.04
|area_total_km2           = 6.25
|area_land_km2            = 6.14
|area_water_km2           = 0.10
|unit_pref                = Imperial

<!-- Elevation -->
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name="GNIS"/>
|elevation_ft             = 1053

<!-- Population -->
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="Census-2020-Profile"/>
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_total         = 4841
|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              = 66547
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|area_code                = [[Area code 785|785]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = {{FIPS|20|75325}} 
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS ID]]
|blank1_info              = 2397188<ref name="GNIS">{{GNIS|2397188}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.wamego.org/|wamego.org}}
}}

'''Wamego''' {{IPAc-en|w|ɔː|ˈ|m|iː|ɡ|oʊ}} is a city in [[Pottawatomie County, Kansas|Pottawatomie County]], [[Kansas]], United States.<ref name="GNIS"/>  As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population of the city was 4,841.<ref name="Census-2020-Profile">{{cite web |title=Profile of Wamego, Kansas in 2020 |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2075325 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526220307/https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2075325 |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
Wamego was [[plat]]ted in 1866.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qi9cXyTWt9EC&pg=PA875 | title=Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History, Volume 2 | publisher=Standard Publishing Company | author=Blackmar, Frank Wilson | year=1912 | pages=875}}</ref> It was named for a [[Potawatomi]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] chief.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5zdAAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA263 | title=Biennial Report of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical Society | publisher=Kansas State Printing Plant | author=Kansas State Historical Society | year=1916 | pages=263}}</ref>

The first post office in Wamego was established in October 1866.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.kshs.org/geog/geog_postoffices/search/page:2/county:PT | title=Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961, page 2 | publisher=Kansas Historical Society | access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|2.25|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|2.21|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.04|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<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]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref>

Wamego is located at the intersection of [[U.S. Route 24 in Kansas|U.S. Route 24]] and [[K-99 (Kansas highway)|K-99]]. It is approximately {{convert|14|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of [[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]]; and about {{convert|42|mi|km|abbr=on}} west-northwest of [[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]]. The [[Kansas River]] flows along the southern edge of the city.

===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, Wamego has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=365841&cityname=Wamego%2C+Kansas%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Wamego, Kansas]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 1473
|1900= 1618
|1910= 1714
|1920= 1585
|1930= 1647
|1940= 1767
|1950= 1869
|1960= 2363
|1970= 2507
|1980= 3159
|1990= 3706
|2000= 4246
|2010= 4372
|2020= 4841
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]
}}
Wamego is part of the [[Manhattan, Kansas]] [[Manhattan, Kansas metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].

===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]]|access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> of 2010, there were 4,372 people, 1,758 households, and 1,176 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1978.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,882 housing units at an average density of {{convert|851.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.8% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.6% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.5% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.0% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.9% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3.9% of the population.

There were 1,758 households, of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.1% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 33.3 years. 27.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.6% were from 25 to 44; 22.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 4,246 people, 1,630 households, and 1,155 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,615.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,740 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,071.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 96.75% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.73% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.35% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.12% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.78% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.27% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.88% of the population.

There were 1,630 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,115, and the median income for a family was $46,017. Males had a median income of $29,881 versus $21,974 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $16,307. About 5.7% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.1% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.

==Economy==
The primary industry of the area is [[agriculture]]. The broad river valley is used to grow [[alfalfa]], [[sweetcorn]], [[maize]] and [[wheat]]. In the hills around the city, rocky pastures support herds of [[cattle]]. There is a processing plant for [[alfalfa]] in Wamego. The other major industry is a factory which produces attachments for earth-moving and other heavy construction equipment, wholly owned by [[Caterpillar, Inc.]] Many of the residents of the city commute to nearby areas for employment, chiefly [[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]] and [[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

==Area attractions==
===Wamego City Park===
[[File:Wamego city park in Kansas.jpg|thumb|Fishing pond walking bridge in City Park]]
Wamego is home to a 12-acre park in the center of town that includes several historic features. The Dutch Mill, a stone windmill built in 1879, is located in the Park, along with the Wamego Historical Museum and Prairie Town Village. Prairie Town Village is a collection of buildings from the 1800s that are a part of Wamego's history. The City Park includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, and fishing pond.

===Oz Museum===
Wamego is home to a museum dedicated to ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|The Wizard of Oz]]'',<ref>[http://www.ozmuseum.com/ The OZ Museum - Wamego, Kansas<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> featuring a collection of over 25,000 Oz artifacts on permanent loan from Friar Johnpaul Cafiero.<ref name=oztoberfest>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oztoberfest.com/events/default.htm|title=Visit Wamego}}</ref> The Museum was founded in April 2004,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.landmarkunitedstates.com/site/19196/OZ-Museum|title = OZ Museum : Kansas}}</ref> and led to the development of several other small businesses with the Oz theme, which have come to be known as the "Oz Cluster."<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/1331|title = The land of oz: A case study of rural cluster development in Wamego, Kansas|year = 2009|last1 = Speirs|first1 = Leland V. Jr}}</ref> Prominent Oz-related businesses include the Oz Winery, Lincoln Street Station, Barleycorns and Toto's Tacoz.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.visitwamego.com/Things-To-Do/Oz-Attractions/default.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-10-09 |archive-date=2009-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004144944/http://www.visitwamego.com/Things-To-Do/Oz-Attractions/default.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> On the first weekend of October, Wamego holds its Annual OZtoberFEST, an Oktoberfest-type celebration with an Oz theme.<ref name=oztoberfest /> The annual street festival typically hosts Hot Air Balloon Rides, Tallgrass Brewery Beer Garden, the Yellow Brick Road Bike Ride, and a local stage or music production.

<gallery>
Image:Museum of OZ in 2008.JPG|OZ Museum (2008)
File:OZ Winery, Wamego, Kansas 2008.jpg|OZ Winery (2008)
Image:Totos Tacoz 2008.jpg|Toto's Tacoz (2008)
</gallery>

===Points of interest===
* [[The Columbian Theatre]]
* Wamego City Park, Windmill, and Wamego Area Veterans Memorial
* Poppyfield Gallery
* Wamego Public Library
* [[Patti Page]] Exhibit<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cjonline.com/life/2009-08-01/exhibit_honors_patti_page|title = Exhibit honors Patti Page}}</ref>

==Filmmaking==
Wamego served as the backdrop for the independent film production of [[Steve Balderson]]'s surrealist crime drama, ''[[Firecracker (2005 film)|Firecracker]]''.

==Education==
The community is served by [[Wamego USD 320]] public school district,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wamegochamber.com/wamego/schools/default.htm |title=Wamego Chamber of Commerce / Mainstreet - Wamego, Kansas 66547 |access-date=2009-07-10 |archive-date=2009-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416233451/http://www.wamegochamber.com/wamego/schools/default.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.usd320.k12.ks.us/welcome/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-07-10 |archive-date=2009-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925021849/http://www.usd320.k12.ks.us/welcome/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> which provides Kindergarten through 12th grade public education. [[Highland Community College (Kansas)|Highland Community College]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://highlandcc.edu/Site/Contact/Locations_and_Directions.php |title=Locations / Directions - Highland Community College &#124; Highland, Kansas |access-date=2009-07-10 |archive-date=2009-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710014230/http://highlandcc.edu/Site/Contact/Locations_and_Directions.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> has a branch facility in the city.

==Notable people==
* [[Steve Balderson]], filmmaker
* [[Benjamin Butler (artist)|Benjamin Butler]], painter
* [[Walter Chrysler]], automobile manufacturer, founder of [[Chrysler Corporation]], born in Wamego but soon after his birth, his parents moved to [[Ellis, Kansas]]<ref name=Britannica>{{cite web |title=Walter P. Chrysler |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walter-P-Chrysler |website=Britannica |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. |access-date=21 May 2022}}</ref>
* [[Delmas Hill]], federal judge, U.S. Court of Appeals
* [[Maggie May (model)|Maggie May]], model, Playboy playmate
* [[Travis Metcalf]], professional baseball player
* [[William Leonard Pickard|William Pickard]], LSD chemist, was arrested one mile northwest of Wamego, serving two life sentences in federal prison
* [[Wiley Taylor]], professional baseball player

==See also==
* [[Great Flood of 1951]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{See also|Pottawatomie County, Kansas#Further reading|l1=List of books about Pottawatomie County, Kansas}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Wamego, Kansas}}
* {{Official website|https://www.wamego.org/|City of Wamego}}, official website
* [https://www.lkm.org/members/?id=41261095 Wamego - Directory of Public Officials]
* [https://visitwamego.com/ Visit Wamego]
* [http://www.wamegohistoricalmuseum.org/  Wamego Historical Society]
* [https://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/bureaus/burTransPlan/maps/city-pdf/wamego.pdf Wamego city map], KDOT

{{Pottawatomie County, Kansas}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Pottawatomie County, Kansas]]
[[Category:Cities in Kansas]]
[[Category:Manhattan, Kansas metropolitan area]]
[[Category:1866 establishments in Kansas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1866]]