Louisburg is a city in Miami County, Kansas, United States.

History

19th century

Prior to the American Civil War, the land of what is now called Louisburg was part of an area reserved for members of various tribes of Native Americans who were ceding their lands in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Settling there were the Peoria, Wea, Piankeshaw, and Kaskaskia tribes which together eventually became the Confederated Tribe of Peoria. The community had some disorder during this time. As a town near the border, there remained conflicts between Kansas Jayhawkers and Missouri Raiders. In addition, the railroad tracks running through the community divided it into north and south areas. Circa 1875, many businesses and homes were moved from north of the railroad to the south, and formed what was to become downtown Louisburg.

Louisburg was incorporated as a city of the third class November 3, 1882, and held its first city election two weeks later on November 17, 1882. The population was listed as 400, and 141 of those residents voted in the first election.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water.

Area attractions

right|thumb|160px|The Little Round House (2008)

Little Round House

The Little Round House was originally an addition to a front porch for a Victorian-style house in the nearby town of Paola, and was called such because it was indeed round in shape. Because of increased truck traffic from Missouri on K-68 through town, Louisburg was contacted by the State of Kansas about needing an inspection station. As a solution, the Little Round House was moved to Louisburg in the 1930s to serve as a border checkpoint office. As years passed, the Little Round House became a home to a variety of small businesses, and had been used as temporary housing during World War II.

Demographics

Louisburg is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Louisburg had a population of 4,969, with 1,841 households and 1,315 families. The population density was 1,018.4 per square mile (393.2/km). There were 1,894 housing units at an average density of 388.2 per square mile (149.9/km).

The median age was 36.2 years. 29.8% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.7% were from 18 to 24, 27.3% were from 25 to 44, 21.5% were from 45 to 64, and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 87.6 males age 18 and over.

There were 1,841 households, of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 55.7% were married-couple households, 14.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 24.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Of housing units, 2.8% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3% and the rental vacancy rate was 3.5%.

Demographic estimates

The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 16.8% of the population.

Income and poverty

The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $77,182 (with a margin of error of +/- $17,473) and the median family income was $87,152 (+/- $8,373). Males had a median income of $57,143 (+/- $16,312) versus $35,573 (+/- $4,940) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $39,977 (+/- $7,955). Approximately, 10.4% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under the age of 18 and 33.5% of those ages 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,315 people, 1,583 households, and 1,148 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 1,718 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 96.6% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,583 households, of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.19.

The median age in the city was 33.9 years. 30.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.4% were from 25 to 44; 20.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

Parks and recreation

right|thumb|175px|Powell Observatory (2008)

right|thumb|165px|Louisburg Aquatic Center (2008)

Recreation in Louisburg includes several options. The Middle Creek State Fishing Lake is nearby for fishing, and the Louisburg City Lake has a paved pathway around it for individuals to walk or jog. Additionally, Louisburg has the Louisburg Aquatic Center for swimming, a nine-hole public golf course, a city park, and the Lewis-Young Park, which has softball, baseball, and soccer fields that are used day and night.

Also located at Lewis-Young Park is the Powell Observatory, which was built in 1984 by members of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. The observatory's telescopes include one of the largest in the region, which is also one of the few in the nation of its size that is made available for public viewing. The observatory regularly schedules viewings available to the public, and provides shows that are intended to educate individuals about astronomy. Private viewings can also be scheduled.

Near Louisburg is Rutlader Outpost, which has an RV park for those who camp.

Louisburg is well known for the Louisburg Cider Mill & Country Store which was constructed of wood saved from an old barn on 26945 Metcalf. The Louisburg Cider Mill holds several special events throughout the year, including Ciderfest in the fall.

Government

The Louisburg government consists of a mayor and five council members. The council meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30PM.

Education

The community is served by Louisburg USD 416 public school district.

Its schools are:

  • Louisburg High School (grades 9–12)
  • Louisburg Middle School (grades 6–8)
  • Broadmoor Elementary (grades 3–5)
  • Rockville Elementary (grades Pre K–2)

References

Further reading

  • Louisburg - Official Website
  • Louisburg - Directory of Public Officials
  • USD 416, local school district