Castle Rock (Kansas)

Castle Rock is a 70 ft (21 m) tall chalk pillar landmark in Gove County, Kansas, United States. The formation and the nearby badlands are located in the Smoky Hills region of Kansas, which is approximately 11 mi (18 km) south of I-70 near Quinter, Kansas.

For other uses, see Castle Rock.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock in 2005
Highest point
Elevation2,434 ft (742 m)[1]
Prominence70 ft (21 m)
Coordinates38°51′40″N 100°10′11″W[1]
Geography
Castle Rock is located in Kansas
Castle Rock
Castle Rock
Location in Kansas
Castle Rock is located in the United States
Castle Rock
Castle Rock
Castle Rock (the United States)
Geology
Age of rockCretaceous
Mountain typeErosional remnant

Description

Castle Rock was a landmark on the Butterfield Overland Despatch route (Overland Trail). The chalk was deposited in the area by an ancient inland sea.[2] The formation was carved by the weathering of the chalk by wind and water. It received its name because it is said to look like a castle rising above the prairie.

Weathering of the rock formation is increasing due to visitors climbing on the rocks. In 2001, following a thunderstorm, the tallest spire fell.[3]

On January 29, 2008, Castle Rock and Monument Rocks 31 miles to the west were jointly named as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.

Images
  • Castle Rock, 1867
    Castle Rock, 1867
  • Castle Rock, 2009
    Castle Rock, 2009

See also

References
  1. "Castle Rock". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Believe it or not: dry western Kansas is the place to study prehistoric oceans". National Public Radio. August 16, 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  3. "Castle Rock". Kansas Geological Survey. Retrieved 2022-10-04.

Further reading
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