Detroit, Kansas

For the city in Michigan, see Detroit.

Detroit (pronounced "dee-troit" by local residents) is an unincorporated area in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. It is located halfway between Abilene and Chapman, two miles north of Enterprise. The town is at an elevation of 1,147 feet.^[1]

In the early years of the county, Detroit was once strongly considered to be the county seat because Abilene was considered to be "too wild" of a town to serve as a center of government. However, Abilene became the county seat and Detroit ceased to grow from that point forward.^[2]

Commerce

At one time Detroit maintained an active store and grocery, a train depot, a nightclub, a school and a church. In recent years most buildings have collapsed or been renovated for use as a dwelling. The one exception is the pub. Although it has changed ownership and its official business name, locals have simply referred to it as "The Midway" or "The Beer Joint." Because of its proximity to the intersection of county roads, it has become a local landmark.

Agriculture and agriculture-related businesses are the primary economic industries.

The United States Post Office operated a branch in Detroit that opened on April 6, 1866 and ceased operation on June 23, 1961.^[3]

Geography

Detroit is a "square" town, two blocks long and two blocks wide. The three north-south streets are Main, Middle, and School. The three east-west streets are First, Second, and Third. There are no more streets in Detroit. All six streets are unpaved.

References

1. ^ Blue Skyways
2. ^ Dicinson College Early History
3. ^ Kansas State Historical Society

External links

Coordinates: 38°56′06″N 97°07′15″W / 38.935°N 97.12083°W / 38.935; -97.12083