McCracken Kansas.



McCracken Kansas.
Date taken is unknown.

McCracken is located at the western edge of Rush County, McCracken was established in December, 1886 along the soon to be completed Missouri-Pacific Railroad. It was named for J. K. McCracken, one of the first trustees. Immediately, lots began to be sold and within a month, the fledgling town was assigned a post office on January 31, 1887. That first year, the flourishing settlement also gained a bank, two grocery stores, a newspaper called the McCracken Enterprise, drug store, theater, and numerous other businesses. The Evangelical United Brethren Church of McCracken was also established in 1887.

McCracken, 1909.

Before the town was even developed, area Catholic parishioners had constructed a St. Mary's Church building in 1886 southwest of McCracken, which would later be replaced with an stone building in 1906.

In 1901, the post rock City Jail was built, which now serves as a museum. The following year, the Bank of McCracken was established and constructed of native stone. This building also continues to stand, appearing to be a residence today.

The early part of the 20th century was difficult for McCracken as fire swept through its business district, the first time in 1905, when the east side of Main Street was burned. Four years later, in January, 1909, another fire destroyed most of the buildings and businesses on the west side of Main Street.

However, the town rebuilt and persevered and by 1910, the city of some 371 people sported about 100 businesses, including a flour mill, grain elevators, several more churches, and a telegraph and express office.

McCracken Businessmen of 1901.

W. S. Brownell, Physician and Surgeon.

J. W. Coughenour, Notary Public, Real Estate, Insurance and Collecting Agent.

Clarence P. Dutton, Prop. "The McCracken Republican."

H. A. Kettner, Prop. Livery, Freed and Sale Stable.

A. Robertson, Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Stationery, Musicial Instruments.

F. P. Starrett, Dealer in General Merchandies and live stock.

J. P. Warden, Dealer in Hardware, Cutlery, Stoves and Tinware, Farm Implements and Vehicles.

There was also a Bank, but no names were given.

There was a Lumber Co. , ran by a Mr. Ryan, who deales in lumber, Grain and Coal, Building Material of all kinds, Cement and Paints &c.

The Snodgrasss Brothers, Owners of the "The Enterprise."  Also Dealers of Crain, Coal, Flour aand Feed.