Riverton, Kansas

Riverton is an unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States.[1] As of the 2020 census, the population of the community and nearby areas was 771.[2] It is located at the junction of K-66 (former U.S. Route 66) and U.S. Route 69 Alternate and U.S. Route 400, near the Spring River. It is one of only three communities in Kansas along former U.S. Route 66.

Riverton, Kansas
Unincorporated community
KDOT map of Cherokee County (legend)
KDOT map of Cherokee County (legend)
Riverton is located in Kansas
Riverton
Riverton
Riverton is located in the United States
Riverton
Riverton
Coordinates: 37°04′24″N 94°42′22″W[1]
CountryUnited States
StateKansas
CountyCherokee
Area
 • Total2.30 sq mi (5.95 km2)
 • Land2.24 sq mi (5.81 km2)
 • Water0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2)
Elevation
[1]
827 ft (252 m)
Population
 (2020)[2]
 • Total771
 • Density340/sq mi (130/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code620
FIPS code20-60200
GNIS ID2629169[1]

History

The first post office in Riverton was established in 1919.[3]

Geography

Riverton is located in southeastern Cherokee County near the southeastern corner of Kansas. Along K-66, Galena, Kansas, is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the east, and Joplin, Missouri, is 10 miles (16 km) to the east. Pittsburg, Kansas, is 23 miles (37 km) to the north via US 400 and US 69. Baxter Springs, Kansas, is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the southwest, and Miami, Oklahoma, is 20 miles (32 km) to the southwest by US 69A.

The eastern and southern edges of the CDP ars formed by the Spring River, which flows south to the Neosho River in Oklahoma. The CDP of Lowell is to the south across the Spring River.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
2010929—
2020771−17.0%
U.S. Decennial Census

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Riverton as a census-designated place (CDP).

Area attractions

The famous Rainbow Bridge, about 2 miles (3 km) west of town, was the site where in the year 2000, musician Brad Paisley performed the song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" for the TLC special "Route 66: Main Street America".

The Eisler Brothers Country Store in Riverton was one of the stops on Pixar's US 66 research trips for the 2006 film Cars. The filmmakers met with Dean Walker, then president of the Kansas Route 66 Association, who is known to twist his feet backwards 180° and walk in reverse. He became one of many inspirations for the Mater character, a rusty old tow truck who teaches NASCAR rookie Lightning McQueen to drive in reverse.[4]

"As luck would have it, we had just eaten a sandwich at the Eisler Brothers when we met Dean, He was proud as punch to show them his exorcist feet and regale them with stories of the Ghost Light."

— Michael Wallis[4]

The original boom truck is currently based at a restored Kan-O-Tex Service Station in nearby Galena.

  • Eisler Brothers Country Store in Riverton, mentioned in the credits for the movie Cars
    Eisler Brothers Country Store in Riverton, mentioned in the credits for the movie Cars
  • Rainbow Bridge near Riverton, 2008
    Rainbow Bridge near Riverton, 2008

See also

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Riverton, Kansas
  2. "Profile of Riverton, Kansas (CDP) in 2020". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  3. "Kansas Post Offices, 1828-1961, page 2". Kansas Historical Society. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  4. Scott Meeker (June 10, 2006). "Riverton man inspired 'Cars' character". Joplin Globe.

Further reading
See also: List of books about Cherokee County, Kansas
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