The confluence of the Whitewater and Walnut rivers was originally inhabited by Native Americans who found the table land ideal for hunting and fishing. In 1868, C.N. James settled in the area and built a log home to serve as a general store and trading post. He named the new settlement after his wife, Augusta. The James family’s original log cabin structure still stands at its original location.
The first train rolled into Augusta in 1881 to support the growth of livestock production and increased agriculture in the area. Shortly after the turn of the century, two railroad companies would serve the town, the Santa Fe and the Frisco. The discovery of oil and natural gas in Butler County lead to further growth and became a major source of employment for many years.
Augusta gets roughly 36 inches of rain per year and 13 inches of snowfall. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is approximately 76. On average, there are 228 sunny days per year in our community. The July high is around 92 degrees, and the January low is 21.
Our youth is served by the Augusta Public School district, which consists of five elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. St. James Catholic School is available as an alternative to traditional public education. We also have a public library in town.
Residents don't have to look far for higher-education opportunities. Butler County Community College, Friends University, Wichita State University, Cowley Community College and Hutchinson Community College are all within an hour's drive.
Our town boasts impressive six single- or double-runway airports for aviation enthusiasts. There are two hospitals and a rehabilitation center within 14 miles of Augusta.
Visit the original site where C.N. James built the first building in the town that would bare his wife’s name. This log cabin served as a general store, post office, church, school and more through the years and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tour the indoor exhibits and learn about Augusta’s rich heritage, the importance of the oil industry and more. Participate in hands-on activities in the C.N. James’ General Store, and explore the blacksmith shop.
The "Augusta" is an operational 1935 art deco theatre in the heart of downtown and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Elaborately painted murals cover the theatre walls. Doors, grills, switch plates and other details bare influences of ancient Egypt. The theatre's opulent interior treatments represent the hallmark of 1930s movie palaces. The theatre was the first in the nation whose interior was fully lit with neon.
Kansas Museum of Military History houses an amazing collection of military and aviation artifacts. The museum is dedicated to the acquisition, reservation, restoration and display of artifacts that relate the role Kansans played in military conflicts throughout history.
Our community boasts five public parks. A nearly two-mile pedestrian/bike path begins in the 26-acre Garvin Park and stretches along the eastern edge of the Augusta City Lake north to the 9-acre Robert Shryock Park.
Outdoor recreation is just incredibly easy to access with Augusta City Lake for fishing and sailing, and Santa Fe Lake for skiing and boating. Stop by Michael Murphy & Sons for shooting school or their sporting clays course. Other recreational opportunities can be found at Augusta Municipal Swimming Pool, Augusta Country Club & Golf Course, Holiday Bowl, Xtreme Airsoft and other locales.
A traditional all-American town, Augusta values its rich historical heritage while keeping its eye on the future. Stop by our United Country office, and let us help you Find Your Freedom.