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Kiowa County was created on April 11 1889, taking its name for the
Kiowa Indians, is located on the eastern edge of Colorado. To the north
borders Cheyenne Co, west is Lincoln Co and Crowley Co, Otero Co, Bent
Co and Prowers Co on the south. Kiowa Co shares the east border with the
state of Kansas.
The Missouri Pacific Railroad cross the Kansas border in 1887 during
the Colorado Gold Rush. Several small camps for railroad workers were
establish. Though over a dozen started only three incorporated towns
remain today, Sheridan Lake, Eads and Haswell. Towner, Brandon,
Chivington and Arlington still support citizens without the vantage of
city government.
Kiowa County is considered a frontier because of its population
density. There are 1786 Square miles with a .8 person per square
mile. Population census of 2010 showed the county had 1398 living here.
The wide open spaces makes Kiowa County a perfect place for outdoor
activity. From camping to hunting to wildlife watching. To the south of
Eads lies the Great Plains Reservoirs bearing Cheyenne Indian names.
Neesopah, Neegronda, Neenoshe, and Neeskah. These are part of the Queens
State Wildlife Area. South of Haswell is Adobe Creek Reservoir or 'Blue
Lake'. All are excellent areas for wildlife watching- from prairie
dogs to eagles.
Being considered a 'Frontier' does not mean things aren't happening
here or you can't get the services offered in more populated areas.
The top of the list of what is here is health care. Weisbrod
Memorial County Hospital and Nursing Home has above average rating of
health inspections and staffing. There is also a Medical Clinic, Health
Nurses and Ambulance Service. When the need for Assisted Living, the
county residences agreed to build Prairie Pines. A very modern facility
built on the south edge of Eads. Residents have the joy of seeing
wildlife close by most every day.
Need the internet to work? No Problem. In 2001 local residence
introduce dial-up internet service and shortly after higher speed
wireless service. They sold to Southeast Colorado Power in early 2008
when the demand for service area became more than 2 could handle. During
that tenure Eastern Slope Rural Telephone as well as Fair Point
Communication, also became aware of the need for high speed internet
service and started offering DSL.
There is a on going county wide effort to preserve the history
and to up date services at the same time.
Northeast of Chivington is the location of the Sand Creek Massacre
atrocities. A dedication on April 28,2007 officially established
the
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
as the nations
391st national park.
A bicycle tour across the United State in 1976, establishing
what is now know as the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.(http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/transamerica.cfm)
This route started in Astoria, OR and ended in Yorktown, VA consisting
of 4250 miles (6840 km) In Kiowa County this route follows state highway
96 and is known as the Prairie Horizons Trail
Many cyclist from the United States and all over the world have
traveled this route.
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Intel Corp. has code-named its most advanced computer chip after a tiny
town in southeastern Colorado
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