Matfield Green, Kansas

For many millennia, the Great Plains of North America was inhabited by nomadic Native Americans. The historic Native American tribes of Kansas are many, including the Kansa, or "Wind People," from whom the name of the state is derived. Also included are the related Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita. From the west and north ranged the Comanche and Apache, as well as the Kiowa, Cheyenne and Arapaho.[5]

From the 16th century to 18th century, the Kingdom of France claimed ownership of large parts of North America. In 1762, after the French and Indian War, France secretly ceded New France to Spain, per the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

In 1802, Spain returned most of the land to France. In 1803, most of the land for modern day Kansas was acquired by the United States from France as part of the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase for 2.83 cents per acre.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was organized, then in 1861 Kansas became the 34th U.S. state. In 1859, Chase County was established within the Kansas Territory, which included the land for modern day Matfield Green.

Matfield Green was named after Matfield, in England.[6]

In 1870, Bazaar Township, Chase County, Kansas which includes Matfield Green had a population of 376, growing to 1,096 by 1880.[7] In its heyday, at the beginning of the 20th century, Matfield Green grew to about 350 residents and possessed a bank, grocery store, livery and blacksmith, hardware, flour mill and lumberyard, and even a hotel for visitors. It also had its own schools. A post office existed in Matfield Green from January 11, 1867 to September 30, 1995.[8]

Like many small towns in Kansas, Matfield Green struggles to maintain its existence. It is helped by a small colony of artists and writers who work to preserve the community, along with the nearby historic Pioneer Bluffs ranch headquarters.[9] Additionally great conservation efforts have been made by both private individuals such as Texas billionaire Ed Bass and non profit organizations Nature Conservancy to combat development and preserve the Flint Hills, which is one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.[10][11][12][13][14][15]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Matfield Green has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[19]

As of the census[24] of 2010, there were 47 people, 24 households, and 11 families residing in the city. The population density was 335.7 inhabitants per square mile (129.6/km²). There were 36 housing units at an average density of 257.1 per square mile (99.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 24 households, of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.2% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.96 and the average family size was 2.73.

The median age in the city was 58.8 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.0% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 12.8% were from 25 to 44; 34.1% were from 45 to 64; and 36.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

As of the census[25] of 2000, there were 60 people, 31 households, and 18 families residing in the city. The population density was 314.9 inhabitants per square mile (121.6/km²). There were 34 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile (68.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 31 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, and 41.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.56.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.0% under the age of 18, 1.7% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.6 males.

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the city was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,642. There were 19.0% of families and 19.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 35.7% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

K-177 highway and Southern Transcon main line of BNSF Railway both pass through Matfield Green. The Kansas Turnpike toll road is close to Matfield Green, but a driver must exit the toll plaza in Cassoday and enter K-177 (Kansas highway) going north.

• Internet
  • Satellite Internet is provided by HughesNet, StarBand, WildBlue.
• TV
  • Satellite TV is provided by DirecTV, Dish Network.
  • Free over-the-air ATSC digital TV.