County: Republic County
Location of courthouse: M St., between 18th St. & 19th St., Belleville
Location of county: Northern border of state, east-central; crossroads of US-36 & US-81, KS-148
Created: February 27, 1860
Named For: Republic River
Elevation: 1,499 ft (457 m)
Population: 4,662 (2021)
"Located in north central Kansas, and bordering Nebraska, Republic County is home to 4,700 Kansans. In 1860, Republic County was established by the Kansas legislature and named for the Republican River, which flows south through the county. Belleville is the largest city and county seat.
Republic County Early settlers were well protected within the county by the opening of the military road along the California Trail through the county in 1857, which increased military vigilance. In 1866 the county seat was located in Belleville. The building of the Pawnee Indian Museum near Republic to preserve the site of the Pawnee Indian Republic was a major event." ~ Republic County
"Republic County was first mentioned by the Kansas Legislature in 1860 when it defined the county’s boundaries and gave it a name.
"Daniel and Conrad Myers were the first white settlers of Republic county. Daniel built the first dwelling house in September 1861, a log structure in which he lived during his entire residence in the county. John Myers, a cousin, who came with Daniel and Conrad, but didn’t take up any land was the first white settler who died in the county. He died the last of April 1861.
"The following is an Indian story that happened during the early settling of the Republic county. The winter of 1862-63 was very mild, no snow or rain falling, little freezing weather, and no snow or rain so spring came early. One of the settlers, James G. Tuthill, started planting a garden by Feb. 10, 1863 and had it all planted by March 10. He had a huge garden that year with melons that were ripe by July 4. On the Sunday after the 4th about 6,000 Indians, principally Pawnees, Iowas, and Otoes, camped near Mr. Tuthill’s place and harvested his melons. The Indians were not violent to Tuthill and his family. After everything on the place had been stolen, the chief in command placed a double guard around the garden patch. This action of the chief was very considerate and appreciated by Mr. Tuthill after his property had been stolen. There are other Indian stories too numerous to mention here that are a part of Republic County history." ~ City of Belleville