An Economic History 1500-1900: Economic Development in South Central Kansas

Abstract

During recent years the Bureau of Business Research has been engaged in the preparation of a series of area reports designed to shed light on the significant characteristics of the Kansas economy. In this connection ten volumes dealing with the economy of the 19 counties in Southwestern Kansas were prepared and distributed in the period 1951 to 1955. This volume by Dr. Richard Sheridan is Number la in a similar series covering South Central Kansas. Because of the wealth of data pertaining to this area, it appeared advisable to divide the subject into two parts. Accordingly, Volume Ia traces developments to 1900; Volume lb, yet to be prepared, will begin at this point and continue to the present. A penetrating analysis of economic events such as Dr. Sheridan has made provides an excellent foundational structure upon which the more specialized reports relative to the area may be structured. The Bureau is grateful to Dr. Sheridan for his willingness to undertake the laborious job of ferreting out and skillfully assembling the many pieces of material necessary to build this comprehensive statement concerning the development and growth of one of the important agricultural and commercial sections of the State.