About Columbus
Columbus was named by A.L. Peters, one of the European-American founders, for his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Consequently, the city’s name indirectly honors the explorer, Christopher Columbus. Coal, lead, and zinc was mined in the region.
Columbus had a considerable trade in agricultural products, and its businesses included machine shops, grain elevators, flour mills, a cigar factory, bottle works (soft drinks), a canning factory, and an extensive brick-making plant.
The city population is 2,929 as of the 2020 Census.
Noteworthy Events and Places
Seth Thomas Clock Tower
Columbus is home to the Seth Thomas Clock Tower. Originally built in 1919 as a memorial to World War 1 soldiers, this clock sat on the lawn of the Cherokee County Courthouse. When the new courthouse was built in 1954, only the clockface would be incorporated into the building. This was until the clock was fully restored to its former glory in the late 1980s.
Veterans Memorial
The Columbus courtyard is home to the Veterans Memorial. Here you can find a list of names and photos honoring the servicemen and women from Columbus. This memorial was created by friends and family members of these servicemen and women.
Time Capsule
The City recently celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary with a 50-year-old time capsule that was opened on June 22, 2018, in front of the Cherokee County Courthouse. The time capsule was sealed and placed in front of the courthouse fountain during the city’s centennial celebration on July 20, 1968. The capsule contains historic items such as a tape recording, photos, and a 1968 telephone directory.
Contact Us
Columbus City Hall
300 E Maple St
Columbus, KS 66725
Phone: (620) 429-2159
Fax: (620) 429-1159